Successful fixation of supraglenoid tubercle fracture in a horse with a customised distal femoral locking plate

Abstract

AbstractAn 18‐month‐old Standardbred colt, referred for hock joint arthroscopy, presented a severe left forelimb lameness immediately after recovery from general anaesthesia. The horse was found in the recovery box with a ‘dropped elbow’, and it was dragging the leg. Radiographic examination of the shoulder showed a displaced avulsion fracture of the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula. A human distal femoral locking plate was customised using measurements taken from a computed tomography scan of a 2‐year‐old horse specimen. An internal fixation of the fracture was performed using the designed distal femoral locking plate. Rehabilitation techniques were passive manipulations and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Six months post‐operatively, the horse was sound and had made a complete functional recovery. The distal femoral locking plate fitted well to the supraglenoid tubercle and scapula in the operated horse, leading to a stable fixation. The recovery time was shortened using internal fixation, which facilitated a faster return to mobility.