Chapter 94 - Vestigial MC and MT bones Flashcards
Figure 94-1. Important soft tissue structures surrounding the small MC/
MT bone.4 a, MC/MT interosseous ligament; b, fascia metacarpi/metatarsi
palmaris/plantaris; c, ligament-like structure originating from the distal
end of the splint bone.
Figure 94-2. Classification of small MC/MT bone fractures: The bones
can be divided into three equal parts: a, proximal; b, midbody; and c,
distal.
M
Figure 94-5. (A) DLPMO radiographic view of the right MC of a horse presented with a fracture of the proximal third of the MCIV (white arrow) and a fissure of MCIII (black arrow). (B) The fracture was fixed with a 3.5-mm 6-hole LCP, with screws engaging both MCIV and MCIII.
What are the small MC/MT bones important for in horses?
Supporting and stabilizing structures
What are common conditions affecting the small MC/MT bones?
Fractures and exostoses
What rare congenital defect can affect the small MC/MT bones?
Polydactyly
Where do the small MC/MT bones articulate in the equine limb?
With the carpal and tarsal bones
Which small MC bone carries more weight in the forelimb?
MCII
What is a common cause of small MC/MT bone fractures in horses?
Kicks from other horses
How do fractures of the small MC/MT bones typically present in horses?
Different grades of lameness
What is an important consideration for proximal small MC/MT bone fractures?
Development of osteitis or osteomyelitis
MCII articulates with which bones?
second and third carpal bone whereas MCIV only articulates with fourth caral bone
In the HL the MTIV articulates with _______ bone and forms a small articulation
In the hindlimb, MTIV
has only a small articulation with the fourth tarsal bone, providing
minimal weight transfer through this articulation.
Where is located the artery in the HL?
In the hindlimb, the location of the **lateral
dorsal metatarsal artery **between MTIII and MTIV makes it particularly vulnerable to accidental or surgical injury.
Define the classifications of splint bone fractures
Simple or comminuted
Open or closed
Proximal, middle or distal bone (Fig 94-2)
Which type of splint fracture has associated suspensory desmitis?
Distal fractures have a high incidence of associated suspensory desmitis; in these cases, enlargement of the associated branch can be palpated
Which reiongal diagnostic analgesia can help you figure out the source of pain in chronic (not acute) cases?
High palmar/plantar analgesia
Proximal small MC/MT bone fractures are the most difficult to treat what are the treatment options?
Conservative with standing wound debridement (open fx) under sedation and local anest AB + NSAID+support bandage + box stall 1 month with 2 month hand walking
Surgical = internal fixation with removal of fracture fragments
What is a common treatment approach for proximal multifragment splint bone fractures?
Conservative treatment without internal fixation
What is important in follow-up care after conservative treatment of splint bone fractures?
Follow-up radiographs
What additional pathology should always be checked in closed fractures of the distal aspect of small MC/MT bones?
Suspensory ligament pathologies
Treatment
Figure 94-3. (A) Horse presented after a kick injury on the lateral aspect of the left hindlimb at the level of the proximal small MT bone. A small wound is visible. (B) Dorsolateral-to-plantaromedial oblique (DLPMO) radiograph of the left MT of the same horse showing an acute multifragment fracture of MTIV. (C) DLPMO radiographic view after segmental ostectomy of the affected MTIV.
Which imaging technique is helpful in chronic fractures or complications like osteomyelitis?
Computed Tomography (CT)
Which bone is most commonlyinvolved in proximal fractures according to some studies?
MCIV/MTIV
What is a risk associated with proximal fractures of the small MC/MT bones?
Bone sequestra
What is indicated for open multifragment fractures of MTIV?
Conservative treatment
How effective is conservative treatment for open multifragment fractures of the small MC/MT bones?
Often results in full athletic function
How much of the small MC/MT bones is typically recommended to be removed?
The distal two-thirds
In which bone is it acceptable to remove more than two-thirds?
MTIV
What is proposed when more than two-thirds of a splint bone needs removal?
Internal fixation with a small plate specially in MCII
DLPMO radiographic view of the right MC of a horse presented with a fracture of the proximal third of the MCIV (white arrow) and a fissure of MCIII
The fracture was fixed with a 3.5-mm 6-hole LCP, with screws engaging both MCIV and MCIII
What percentage of MCII may be removed without altering the biomechanics of the carpus?
80%
What is the main risk associated with implantation of metallic implants?
Postoperative infection
For which cases should the use of metallic implants be reserved?
Cases with a high probability of luxation or subluxation
What is the preferred technique for internal fixation?
Plate application with screws engaging only the small MC/MT bone
What is a common complication associated with screw fixation through MCIII/MTIII?
Persistent lameness
What types of plates are appropriate for internal fixation?
Appropriate implants include 3.5-mm locking compression plates (LCPs) or (narrow) dynamic compression plates (DCPs), semitubular plates, or reconstruction plates.
What is the ideal location for plate application on the splint bone?
The palmar or plantar abaxial aspect
What is the postoperative care for horses after internal fixation?
Box stall confinement and gradual increase in exercise
How is a segmental ostectomy typically performed?
A) Under general anesthesia in lateral recumbency
B) Standing under sedation
What is done after segmental ostectomy to close the wound?
Suturing in two layers
What is the prognosis for horses after treatment of proximal small MC/MT bone fractures?
Varies depending on fracture type and age
What complication is associated with standing surgical intervention?
A) Excessive callus formation
B) Nonunion
C) Instability of the proximal fragment
What is the treatment for complete removal of MTIV?
Full-length hindlimb cast postoperatively