Scapulohumeral arthrodesis in miniature horses.
Authors: Semevolos Stacy A, Watkins Jeffrey P, Auer Jörg A
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Scapulohumeral Arthrodesis in Miniature Horses: Surgical Management of Severe Shoulder Disease Severe osteoarthritis and instability of the shoulder joint present significant welfare challenges in miniature horses, particularly when conservative management fails; this retrospective analysis evaluated whether surgical fusion of the scapulohumeral joint could reduce clinical signs in affected animals. Four miniature horses underwent arthrodesis using a 4.5-mm dynamic compression plate applied to the cranial aspect of the scapula and humerus, with lag screws inserted across the joint following intermediate tubercle osteotomy. All four animals presented with grade 3–4 lameness and confirmed radiographic osteoarthritis (three also had luxation or subluxation), yet three improved by 1–2 lameness grades postoperatively despite complications including implant failure (2 cases), infection (2 cases), scapular fracture (1 case), and shoulder muscle atrophy (1 case). Although functional arthrodesis resulted in persistent gait abnormality, all horses achieved adequate weight-bearing and mobility for pasture and breeding purposes. For equine practitioners managing miniature horses with chronic, debilitating shoulder disease unresponsive to other interventions, this technique merits consideration as a viable option to restore functional soundness and improve quality of life, albeit with awareness of potential postoperative complications and acceptance that some gait dysfunction will persist.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Scapulohumeral arthrodesis is a viable surgical option for miniature horses with debilitating shoulder joint disease when breeding or pasture soundness is the goal, though significant postoperative complications should be anticipated
- •Even with implant failures and other complications, horses achieved functional improvement and early return to weight bearing, suggesting the procedure can succeed despite technical challenges
- •This procedure is most appropriate for miniature horses with severe osteoarthritis or instability where conservative management has failed and the horse is not required for performance work
Key Findings
- •Scapulohumeral arthrodesis using 4.5-mm dynamic compression plates resulted in lameness improvement of 1-2 grades in all 4 miniature horses with severe shoulder osteoarthritis
- •Complications occurred in 3 of 4 horses including implant failure (2), infection (2), scapular fracture (1), and shoulder muscle atrophy (1)
- •Despite functional gait abnormality post-operatively, all horses achieved functional arthrodesis and improved morbidity with weight-bearing capability