equine - treatment options for fractures Flashcards
what type of fractures are a wealfare concern and result in euthanasia in horses?
- comminuted fracture of the proximal and distal phalance (pastern), and comminuted the the degree that there is no intact bony strut that can have an internal fixator applied
- compond fractures (comminuted and open) of long bones - contamination so can apply internal fixation
- complete fractures of the long bones - proximal long bones humerus, radius, femur and tibial
- pelvic fracture - where animal is recumbant
what is a compound fracture?
comminuted and open
what is comminuted fractue?
(kah-muh-NOOT-ed)
a bone that is broken in more than two pieces
what are the exceptions of fractures that would normally mean euthasia?
ponies under 300kg and foals but need to manage owner expectations and finacial considerations
what is the treatment for an incomple fracture in equines?
immobilisation of site for long term
how many areas are the fore and hind limb are sepeated into for fracture stabalisation?
4 areas
where is forelimb zone 1 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
- Distal metacarpus to hoof
Goal:
- Align cortices of bones in a vertical plane.
Stabilisation:
Apply a dorsal splint and bandaging
PVC drain pipe and heel wedge (?)
Purpose:
Get the dorsal parts into a straight line.
where is forelimb zone 2 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
Distal radius to mid-metacarpal region
Goal:
- Align cortices of bones in a vertical plane.
Stabilisation:
Apply a lateral & caudal splint
Apply a heavier bandage (stabilise joints)
Purpose:
Keep carpus in full extension and stabilise metacarpal-phalangeal joint.
where is forelimb zone 3 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
Proximal and middle radius
Goal:
- Prevent abduction of the limb.
Stabilisation:
Full Robert jones bandage
Lateral splint to withers
Purpose:
Stop leg swinging sideways and destabilizing the fracture.
where is forelimb zone 4 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
Proximal from zone 3
Scapula, humerus, ulna
Goal:
- No stabilization needed. Heavy distal limb bandage would have a pendulum effect
Stabilisation:
if horse is stuggling to move then
- distal limb Plantar splint for vertical alignment - keeping carpus in extension can help them ambulate
where is hindlimb zone 2 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
Zone 2 does not extend as proximally due to hock
Zone 2 = middle and proximal metatarsal regions
Stabilisation:
Heavy bandage and plantar splint for stabilization, possible lateral splint as well
difficult to immobalise hock due to reciprical apparatus
where is hindlimb zone 1 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
distal metatarsus and proximal phalangeal bones
stabalisation:
place a planter splint to creater vertical alingment
where is hindlimb zone 3 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
Tibial fractures
Complicated to manage
Can easily become open, poor prognosis
Goal:
Prevent abduction
Stabilisation:
Long lateral splint
Reciprocal apparatus means flexion of stifle = flexion of hock, leading to collapse of tibial fracture.
where is hindlimb zone 4 for fracture stabalisation?
what is the goal of this zone?
how is this zone stabalized?
Lots of muscle so natural stabilisation
Goal:
Prevent abduction
Stabilisation:
Cannot apply a bandage, best left without which could destabilize distal limb.
what two types of splint are shown in this image?
right - Kimzey leg saver - aluminium and velcro srtaps, dorsal splint
left - PVC drain pipe
what is shown here?
Front limb:
Robert jones bandage
Lateral splint to whithers region
Prevents limb abduction
Augmented by caudal splint to hold carpus in extension
used to stablise a zone 3 fracture
Hind limb modifications:
- Moulded metal to achieve same concept due to limb shape
