Successful use of dual-plate fixation to treat a canine comminuted scapula fracture

Abstract

A 9-month-old, female, cross-breed dog was presented for management of a left-sided, traumatic, closed, comminuted scapula fracture that had occurred 8 days prior to presentation. Following a computed tomography scan, the fracture was stabilised via open reduction and internal fixation with a 2.7 mm 12-hole locking compression plate (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA) along the cranial aspect of the scapular spine. Intraoperatively, a gap was opening along the fracture line on the caudal aspect of the scapular body during shoulder extension, likely due to the large muscular distraction forces. A 2.7 mm 6-hole semitubular plate was placed on the caudal aspect of the lateral body of the scapula and secured using four cortical screws, which successfully prevented gap formation. At the time of discharge, the dog was able to bear weight on the operated left thoracic limb with a moderate lameness. At 9 weeks postoperatively, a computed tomography scan showed complete healing of the scapula fracture. At 1 year postoperatively, her owner reports no signs of lameness, stiffness or pain. In this case, dual-plate fixation allowed early return to weight bearing, successful healing by 9 weeks postoperatively and return to full function at 1 year postoperatively.