Prognosis for nonsurgical treatment of scapular body fractures

A return to an athletic career with nonsurgical management is not possible – it is a salvage procedure. Osseous union of the fracture is questionable. A fibrous union can be expected.

The image shows a horse that was managed for 8 months conservatively following a fracture of the body of the scapula. Severe atrophy of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles developed as a result of trauma to the suprascapular nerve. The spine is prominently visible.

Video of the same horse walking straight.

Video of the same horse walking in circle. Please note the different activities of the shoulder muscles when the horse is walked in a circle on both sides.

Some gait deficit has to be expected.