title: A technique for internal fixation of scapulohumeral luxation using scapulohumeral tension sutures in three alpacas and one miniature steer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a technique for open reduction and internal fixation of scapulohumeral joint luxation in large animals, and outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical case reports.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mature alpacas (n=3) and immature miniature steer (1).
  
  
  METHODS
  Shoulder joint luxation was diagnosed by physical examination and confirmed by radiography. Open reduction was performed with internal fixation using lateral tension band sutures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Animals maintained shoulder joint reduction and were sound with radiographically normal shoulder joints (n=2) and normal range of motion without appreciable gait abnormalities (4) at follow-up 8-36 months later.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In contrast to previous reports of open reduction with internal fixation of shoulder joint luxation in large animals, open reduction and use of lateral scapulohumeral tension sutures resulted in functionally normal shoulder joints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stabilization of the shoulder joint with lateral scapulohumeral tension sutures after open reduction is effective, technically simple, and should be considered in large animal species weighing <100 kg.
authors.affiliation: Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. aew44@cornell.edu
authors.forename: Ashlee E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Watts
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Fortier
authors.forename: Alan J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Nixon
authors.forename: Norm G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Ducharme
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000662:veterinary*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome