A retrospective multicenter study on the use of locking compression plates for scapulohumeral arthrodesis in small equids.
Authors: Somm Fabienne, Suárez Sánchez-Andrade José, Martens Ann, Zedler Steven T, Klopfenstein Micael D, Boswell Jane C, Bladon Bruce M, Lischer Christoph J, Richardson Dean W, Auer Jörg A, Fürst Anton E, Kümmerle Jan M
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Scapulohumeral Arthrodesis in Miniature Equids: Surgical Outcomes with Locking Compression Plates Scapulohumeral osteoarthritis and subluxation severely limit function in small equids, yet surgical fusion of this joint remains uncommonly performed; this retrospective multicentre review examined 16 arthrodesis procedures using locking compression plates (LCPs) across 15 ponies and miniature horses (65–145 kg bodyweight) to evaluate technical feasibility and long-term outcomes. Nine surgeons predominantly used narrow 4.5/5.0 mm LCPs with 7–16 holes, with follow-up data collected at a median of 2.5 years post-operatively (range 9 weeks to 10 years). Whilst major complications occurred in approximately one-third of long-term survivors—including implant failure, surgical site infection, and scapular fracture—69% of horses achieved excellent or good functional outcomes, with only two animals euthanized due to contralateral limb disease. The technique demonstrates sufficient efficacy to justify consideration in small equids with unilateral scapulohumeral disease, though surgeons should counsel owners on complication risks and monitor carefully for development of osteoarthritis in the opposite limb, which emerged as a significant threat to long-term prognosis in this population.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Scapulohumeral arthrodesis using locking compression plates is a viable surgical option for small equids with shoulder osteoarthritis/subluxation, with approximately 70% achieving good-to-excellent long-term function
- •Surgeons should counsel clients that major complications occur in roughly one-third of cases, including infection and implant failure, and monitor the contralateral shoulder closely post-operatively
- •This technique requires specialist surgical expertise; outcomes appear consistent across multiple centers despite variation in surgeon experience
Key Findings
- •Scapulohumeral arthrodesis with locking compression plate resulted in excellent or good outcomes in 9 of 13 long-term surviving equids (69%)
- •Major complications occurred in 4 of 13 long-term survivors (31%), including implant failure, surgical site infection, and scapular fracture
- •Median follow-up was 2.5 years with range from 9 weeks to 10 years post-operatively
- •Contralateral limb disease developed in 2 ponies, leading to euthanasia