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Veterinary surgery : VS2021; 51(2); 330-334; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13749

Fixation of a scapular body fracture in a 5 month old foal using three 4.5/5.0 mm locking compression plates.

Abstract: To report a surgical technique and an outcome for the repair of a displaced, transverse scapular body fracture with locking compression plates (LCPs) in a colt. Methods: One 5 month old Thoroughbred colt. Methods: Case report. Methods: A colt sustained an unstable, comminuted, transverse fracture of the scapular body. Three 4.5/5.0 mm LCPs were used with 6.5 mm cancellous screws, 4.5 mm cortex screws, and 5.0 mm locking head screws. Implants were removed 2 months after surgery. Results: Surgical site infection was identified by purulent discharge at the distal aspect of the suture line 3 days after surgery. The surgical site infection resolved with daily lavage within 15 days after surgery. Three months after internal fixation of the scapular body fracture, the colt was sound and was turned out to pasture. One year later, the colt was sound and in training to be a flat racehorse. Conclusions: Repair of a scapular body fracture using LCP provided a good outcome with an early return to soundness. The LCP system can therefore be considered for the repair of scapular body fractures in small equids.
© 2021 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2021-12-05 PubMed ID: 34866213DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13749Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research discusses a technique to repair a severe scapular body fracture in a young foal using locking compression plates (LCPs). Despite a minor setback of surgical infection, the treatment resulted in a swift and full recovery, suggesting LCPs as a viable option for similar equine fracture repairs.

Introduction and Method

  • The paper documents a case study on a 5-month-old Thoroughbred colt who experienced an unstable, comminuted, and transverse fracture of the scapular body.
  • The technique used involved three 4.5/5.0 mm Locking Compression Plates (LCPs), utilizing 6.5 mm cancellous screws, 4.5 mm cortex screws, and 5.0 mm locking head screws for their installation.
  • Two months post-surgery, the implants were removed.

Treatment Complications and Resolution

  • Three days following surgery, a surgical site infection was discovered, identified by pus discharge at the distal end of the suture line.
  • The infection was managed and brought under control within 15 days with daily lavage— a therapeutic washout procedure.

Post-Treatment Outcome and Conclusion

  • Three months following the LCP fixation of the scapular body fracture, the colt had fully recovered and was released to pasture.
  • One year after the surgical intervention, the colt was not only fully sound but was also training to be a flat racehorse.
  • The positive outcome of the case suggests that the use of Locking Compression Plates can be an effective method to repair scapular body fractures in young or small equids, providing an early return to soundness.

Cite This Article

APA
Miyakoshi D, Higuchi T, Ikeda H, Sato M, Yoshimura S. (2021). Fixation of a scapular body fracture in a 5 month old foal using three 4.5/5.0 mm locking compression plates. Vet Surg, 51(2), 330-334. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13749

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 2
Pages: 330-334

Researcher Affiliations

Miyakoshi, Daisuke
  • Mitsuishi Animal Medical Center, NOSAI Minami, Shinhidaka, Japan.
Higuchi, Tohru
  • Mitsuishi Animal Medical Center, NOSAI Minami, Shinhidaka, Japan.
Ikeda, Hiroki
  • Hidaka Horse Breeders Association, Shinhidaka, Japan.
Sato, Masato
  • Mitsuishi Animal Medical Center, NOSAI Minami, Shinhidaka, Japan.
Yoshimura, Seiji
  • Mitsuishi Animal Medical Center, NOSAI Minami, Shinhidaka, Japan.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Plates / veterinary
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Fractures, Comminuted / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Scapula / surgery

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Citations

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