OBJECTIVE: To report on a series of 4 horses with supraglenoid tubercle fractures repaired with locking compression plates.
STUDY DESIGN: Case series.
ANIMAL: Four horses ranging in age from 6 weeks to 20 months and weighing from 121 to 425 kg with supraglenoid tubercle fractures of 1 day to 6 weeks in duration.
METHODS: Supraglenoid tubercle fractures were reduced and stabilized with transversely positioned locking compression plate(s) with and without additional tension band wiring.
RESULTS: All fractures reached bony union. Two postoperative surgical site infections were managed with drainage and antibiotherapy. Three of the 4 horses continued onto athletic careers including flat racing, dressage, and hunter/jumper competition. The remaining horse was lame for a prolonged period, but was sound at 4 years.
CONCLUSIONS: The application of one or two, transversely positioned LCPs should be considered for the repair of SGT fractures because of the relative ease of the technique, and its elimination of a biceps brachii tenotomy. All screws can be inserted in a lateral to medial direction without transection or drill penetration of the biceps brachii tendon.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SGT fractures of various durations can be repaired in a wide range of horses with transversely positioned LCPs, and allow return to athletic function.
