Chapter 77 - Principles of fracture treatment Flashcards
What are examples of severe fractures causing non-weight-bearing lameness?
Multiffragment failures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone (MCIII/MTIII).
What fractures may be managed with a bandage alone?
Fractures of MCII/IV or MTII/IV.
Why might radiography initially fail to detect fractures in horses?
Fractures may not be visible until 7–10 days after trauma.
When is scintigraphy used in fracture diagnosis?
2–3 days after trauma to locate bony lesions.
What fractures should always be treated surgically?
Fissure fractures penetrating a joint.
What materials are preferred for casts?
Fiberglass.
Why are fiberglass casts advantageous?
Lightweight and breathable, improving animal comfort.
What is the first sign of complications under a cast?
Hot areas, edema, or foul odors.
Why should the first cast change occur after 3–4 days?
To address subsiding swelling and prevent looseness.
What interval is recommended for cast changes in foals?
Every 10–14 days.
What can prolonged external coaptation lead to in joints?
Cartilage degeneration and joint disease.
How does skin trauma from casts affect fracture healing?
It can lead to infection and compromise healing.
What is the risk of “compartment syndrome” under a cast?
Tissue necrosis due to swelling and pressure.
How can cast maintenance extend its usefulness?
Hosing with water daily.
What causes foot pain after cast removal?
Expansion of the hoof after being constricted.
What type of fractures are suitable for nonsurgical management?
Deltoid tubercle, nonarticular patellar fractures, and fissure fractures of radius/tibia.
What causes loss of proteoglycans in articular cartilage?
Immobility during prolonged casting.
Name the type of fractures amenable for stall rest
deltoid tubercle,
nonarticular patellar fractures,
fissure fractures of the radius and tibia,
fractures of the scapular spine
Fissure fractures penetrating a joint should always…
Fissure fractures penetrating a joint should always be treated surgically.
Figure 77-2. Craniocaudal (left) and lateromedial (right) radiographic views of a fissure fracture in the proximal metaphysis of the tibia of an adult horse.
Figure 77-1. An adult horse suffering from a fissure fracture of the tibia, supported by a rescue net. The net, which is applied relatively snugly to allow the horse to rest in it, is tolerated very well.
Why does equine bone healing occur more slowly compared to other species?
Equine bones have a slower remodeling process and less efficient healing than ruminants, small animals, and humans.
What are two external fixation techniques used in horses?
Transfixation pin casts and external fixators.
What is the main biomechanical principle behind the high bending stiffness of pins?
It depends on the modulus of elasticity and the area moment of inertia, which increases significantly with the pin diameter.