Partial scapulectomy for treatment of an articular fracture of the scapula in a cat

A seven-month-old cat was referred, after having been missing for one week, for evaluation and treatment of a right forelimb injury and facial fractures. On physical examination, a moderate partial weight-bearing lameness of the right forelimb was present, with palpable crepitus in the glenohumeral joint. Dental radiographs revealed a midline palatal fracture and rostral fractures of the left maxillary canine alveolar bone. Radiographs of the right shoulder revealed a Type Ill or intra-articular fracture of the scapula with moderate displacement of the fracture at the articular surface. Early fibrous healing of the fracture was observed and the caudal aspect of the medial glenohumeral ligament was ruptured. Due to the chronicity, reduction and stabilization was not attempted. Instead, the caudal aspect of the medial glenohumeral ligament was incised along its origin and approximately 30% of the glenoid was removed. The caudal glenohumeral ligament was attached to the subscapularis muscle. Three years after surgery, the owner reported that the cat continued to experience no visible lameness and led an active lifestyle. This case report demonstrates that a partial caudal scapulectomy can result in full return of function of the forelimbs in cats with scapular fractures, especially when joint involvement is severe and the articular cartilage is affected. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a partial scapulectomy, utilized for fracture management, in the veterinary literature.