Scapular fractures in dogs: epidemiology, classification, and concurrent injuries in 105 cases (1988-1994)

Abstract

A retrospective study of canine scapular fractures diagnosed and treated from 1988 through 1994 at four veterinary teaching hospitals was performed. Dogs (n = 105) with 109 scapular fractures were included. Most scapular fractures occurred in young (i.e., less than four years of age), male, medium- to large-breed (i.e., greater than 10 kg) dogs as the result of vehicular trauma. Concurrent injuries (primarily thoracic trauma) occurred in approximately 70% of cases. In-house follow-up evaluations were considered adequate in only 17% of the cases. A classification system that includes biomechanical principles for categorization is described to avoid discrepancies between various traditional classification systems.