Internal fixation of a short oblique scapular neck fracture in a foal using two 3.5-mm tibial-plateau-levelling-osteotomy (TPLO) locking plates

Abstract

This case report describes a novel fixation technique of scapular neck fracture in a 2-week-old Arabian foal using two 3.5 mm tibial-plateau-levelling-osteotomy (TPLO) locking plates originally designed for small animal orthopaedic surgery. The foal presented with a traumatic short oblique scapular neck fracture. Fracture fixation was performed under general anaesthesia using two anatomically pre-shaped 3.5 mm TPLO locking plates; one on each side of the spine of the scapula. Fracture fixation was successful using two TPLO locking plates. Minimal soft tissue manipulation and identification of the suprascapular nerve allowed for relatively atraumatic application of the implants. The implants were left in place. Follow-up evaluation 2 years after surgical intervention confirmed the horse to be sound with no clinical or gait abnormalities. Stabilisation of a short oblique scapular neck fracture in a 2-week-old foal with an anatomically pre-shaped implant led to a good outcome in this case report. No complications were encountered during the recovery period. The use of an anatomically pre-shaped locking plate intended for use on dogs, which is widely available in the veterinary industry, has proven to be a viable alternative for a scapular neck fracture fixation in this foal.