Lag screw and tension band wire arthrodesis of the scapulohumeral joint in a miniature bull calf

An eight-month-old miniature zebu bull calf, 50 kg, was presented for evaluation of a moderate (grade 4 out of 5) right forelimb lameness of eight weeks’ duration. Clinical and radiographic findings revealed a marked degenerative osteoarthritis of the right scapulohumeral joint. Arthrodesis of the right scapulohumeral joint via placement of two transarticular cancellous bone screws in lag fashion and a dorsolateral figure-of-eight tension band wire was performed. Final angle of arthrodesis was 122°. Short-term morbidity was minimal. The patient remained comfortable on the limb throughout the eight-day hospitalisation. By discharge, the lameness had improved (grade 3 out of 5). Long-term follow-up at six months was considered good for breeding soundness, though a gait deficit was present in the affected limb. Lag screw and tension band wire arthrodesis of the scapulohumeral joint should be considered a viable less invasive option in small ruminants with terminal scapulohumeral joint disease.