Equine Carpus, Elbow and Shoulder

Question 1

What is the only nerve block performed on the equine proximal limb?

Answer 1

Median and ulnar nerve block

Question 2

Describe the approach to the median and ulnar nerves in the median and ulnar nerve block

Answer 2

Ulnar nerve - approached from the caudal aspect, proximal to the accessory carpal bone
Median nerve - on the medial antebrachium just ventral to pectorals, caudal to radius

Question 3

What are the 2 effective spaces of the equine carpal joint?

Answer 3

Antibrachiocarpal
Intercarpal + carpometacarpal

Question 4

When is it important to know how to block the equine elbow joint?

Answer 4

Joint wounds on the olecranon

Question 5

What are the five standard views of radiography of the carpus in the horse?

Answer 5

Lateromedial
Dorsopalmar
Dorsolatero-palmaromedial oblique
Dorsomedio-palmaolateral oblique
Flexed lateral

Question 6

What are the two views of equine elbow radiographs and how would you position the horse for each?

Answer 6

Mediolateral - extended leg
Craniocaudal - weightbearing

Question 7

What are the two radiographic views of the shoulder?

Answer 7

Mediolateral
Craniomedial caudolateral oblique

Question 8

What are the two main populations of horses that experience carpal osteoarthritis?

Answer 8

Young racehorses
Mature pleasure horses

Question 9

What is enostosis?

Answer 9

Area of sclerosis often around nutrient foramen

Question 10

What is the common presentation of shoulder OCD in horses?

Answer 10

<1 year old with prominent lameness
Muscular atrophy over shoulder, possible club foot
Pain on palpation and manipulation

Question 11

List four radiographic changes of shoulder OCD

Answer 11

Loss of congruity of articular surfaces
Flattening of humeral head/glenoid
Irregular lucencies in the subchondral bone with surrounding sclerosis
Cystic lesions in the glenoid

Question 12

List two treatment options for shoulder OCD in horses

Answer 12

Conservative (poor outcome)
Surgical debridement

Question 13

List four types of carpal fracture

Answer 13

Chip fractures
Slab fractures
Accessory carpal bone fractures
Comminuted fractures

Question 14

Which joint in the equine carpus is most likely to fracture?

Answer 14

Mid carpal joint > radiocarpal joint

Question 15

Where do carpal chip fractures usually occur (which bones and in which direction)?

Answer 15

Dorsally
From radial and 3rd carpal bones in midcarpal joint

Question 16

What are carpal slab fractures and in which bone and plane do they most commonly occur in>

Answer 16

Corss between 2 articular surfaces from proximal to distal
Usually frontal plane
Radial facet of 3rd carpal bone

Question 17

In which direction do accessory carpal bone fractures usually occur?

Answer 17

Sagittal

Question 18

Which bone is most commonly the problem in elbow fractures?

Answer 18

Ulna&raquo_space; Radius

Question 19

List six of the most common shoulder fractures in the horse

Answer 19

Supraglenoid tubercle
Neck and body of scapula
Deltoid tuberosity
Humeral tubercles
Major humeral shaft
Stress fractures of humerus