T‐plate contoured to 90° to stabilise the scapular spine and acromion in a complex, comminuted scapular fracture in a Dachshund

Abstract

AbstractA 7.2 kg, 7‐month old, male dachshund presented after a road traffic accident. Computer tomography revealed a pneumothorax, which was treated conservatively, and a type 1 extra‐articular unstable comminuted scapular fracture. A 5‐hole 2.0‐mm T‐plate was contoured to 90°, allowing the spine of the scapula to be fixated to the scapular body. Two locking‐compression plates were used in the infraspinatus and supraspinatus fossae to further stabilise the scapula. The above construct allowed for good reduction and stabilisation of the scapular fracture. Recovery was uncomplicated, and at 7 weeks post‐operatively the patient was sound on the operated leg with radiographic evidence of ongoing fracture healing, with minimal bony callus formation. The owners were contacted 7 months after surgery and reported an excellent recovery with no lameness. This report highlights that a contoured T‐plate can be used successfully to stabilise fractures of the scapular spine.