3-4: Fractures

Question 1

What fractures result in extensor muscle groups acting as abductors?

Answer 1

Complete radius or tibial fractures

Question 2

What are 3 principles for transporting (adult) horses with fractures?

Answer 2

Larger trailers = more stable
Put the fracture to the rear of the trailer
Keep any partitions in the trailer

Question 3

What are the 2 principles of transporting foals with fractures?

Answer 3

Attended if possible
Partition away from the mare

Question 4

Complications that can arise from fracture repair (5):

Answer 4

Sepsis
Contralateral limb laminitis
Contralateral soft tissue overload
Implant/Repair instability or failure
Systemic dx- colitis/pneumonia

Question 5

What fractures are amenable to arthroscopic fragment removal?

Answer 5

carpal fractures
apical sesamoid fractures

Question 6

What is the prognosis for fetlock breakdown?

Answer 6

GUARANTEED mechanical lameness

Question 7

What is the prognosis for basilar sesamoid fractures?

Answer 7

Guarded

Question 8

Forelimb vs hindlimb prognosis applies to what injury/procedure?

Answer 8

Pastern fracture treated with pastern arthrodesis

Question 9

Prognosis of pastern arthrodesis:

Answer 9

Forelimb: 60-65%
Hindlimb: 75-90%

Question 10

Appropriate splinting for distal forelimb fractures:

Answer 10

Single splint dorsally
From toe to just below carpus

Question 11

Appropriate splinting for mid forelimb fractures:

Answer 11

Two orthogonal splints- caudal and lateral
From elbow to ground

Question 12

Appropriate splinting for mid-proximal radius fractures:

Answer 12

Full Robert Jones bandage
Single lateral splint from ground to lateral aspect of the chest

Question 13

Appropriate splinting for fractures proximal to the elbow or stifle:

Answer 13

Typically not feasible

Question 14

Appropriate splinting for distal hindlimb fractures:

Answer 14

Single caudal splint from toe to hock

Question 15

Appropriate splinting for mid-proximal metatarsal fractures:

Answer 15

Two orthogonal splints- caudal and lateral
From ground to tuber calcaneus

Question 16

Appropriate splinting for Tarsal and tibial fractures:

Answer 16

Single splint laterally
from ground to gluteal region

Question 17

Appropriate splinting for triceps apparatus disruption:

Answer 17

Full limb bandage
Single caudal splint
Goal is to keep limb straight

Question 18

Classic presentation of triceps apparatus disruption:

Answer 18

Dropped Elbow stance

Question 19

Three differentials for dropped elbow stance:

Answer 19

Radial nerve injury
Olecranon or Humeral fracture