B2: Ligaments, luxations, arthrodesis

Question 1

What is tendon blood supply like?

Answer 1

Better than ligament

Question 2

What are tendons like?

Answer 2

Tough and inelastic

Question 3

What are ligaments like?

Answer 3

Strong and elastic

Question 4

What is the structure of a tendon?

Answer 4

Continuous sheets of fibroblasts in matrix, fibres in dense bundles, highly organised

Question 5

What is the structure of a ligament?

Answer 5

Scattered fibroblasts, fibres not parallel so multidirectional strength

Question 6

What are the indications for an arthrodesis?

Answer 6

Salvage - untreatable chronic pain, untreatable fracture, partial neurological injury, ligament injuries that can’t be stabilised

Question 7

How do you perform an arthrodesis?

Answer 7

Remove residual cartilage, place canellous bone graft from humerus, compress bone surfaces together, stabilise at a relevant angle

Question 8

Which joints does arthrodesis work best in?

Answer 8

Carpus and hock, worse in elbow and stifle