Supraglenoid tubercle fractures repair with transverse locking compression plates in 4 horses.
Authors: Ahern B J, Bayliss I P M, Zedler S T, Getman L M, Richardson D W
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Supraglenoid Tubercle Fracture Repair Using Transverse Locking Compression Plates Supraglenoid tubercle fractures present a challenging surgical problem in young horses, with traditional repair techniques requiring biceps brachii tenotomy and associated complications. Ahern and colleagues evaluated transverse locking compression plate (LCP) fixation in four horses aged 6 weeks to 20 months with fractures ranging from acute (1 day) to chronic (6 weeks), applying single or dual plates with supplementary tension band wiring where indicated. All four cases achieved bony union, with two horses requiring post-operative drainage and antibiotics for surgical site infections; three of the four returned to competitive athletic careers (flat racing, dressage, and hunter/jumper), whilst the fourth regained soundness by age four years despite prolonged lameness during recovery. The transverse plate orientation permits all screw placement from lateral to medial without compromising the biceps brachii tendon, eliminating the need for tenotomy and reducing associated morbidity. For farriers, vets and rehabilitation professionals, this approach represents a viable alternative to conventional techniques with demonstrable return-to-function outcomes, though the small case series and variable post-operative timelines merit consideration when counselling owners on prognosis and recovery expectations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Transverse locking compression plates offer a technically straightforward approach to supraglenoid tubercle fracture repair while preserving important soft tissue structures, particularly the biceps brachii tendon
- •This technique appears to provide reliable return to function, with 75% of horses resuming competitive athletic careers
- •The method is applicable across a wide age range (6 weeks to 20 months) and accommodates fractures of varying chronicity (1 day to 6 weeks old)
Key Findings
- •All 4 horses with supraglenoid tubercle fractures achieved bony union following repair with transverse locking compression plates
- •Three of 4 horses (75%) returned to athletic careers including flat racing, dressage, and hunter/jumper competition
- •Transverse plate positioning allowed all screws to be inserted laterally to medially without compromising the biceps brachii tendon, eliminating need for tenotomy
- •Two postoperative surgical site infections occurred but were successfully managed with drainage and antibiotherapy