Fractures of the Radius + Radial-Ulna Fractures in Calves

Question 1

which is more common: fractures of ulna or radius?

Answer 1

ulna

Question 2

common types of radial fractures (3)

Answer 2

-displaced (often comminuted) -incomplete nondisplaced -complete nondisplaced

Question 3

common cause of nondisplaced radial fractures in adult horses?

Answer 3

getting kicked

Question 4

you may or may not see a radial fracture on rads if taken immediately after the injury. what should you do?

Answer 4

stall rest 10-14 days then retake rads

Question 5

signs of radial fractures in horses

Answer 5

-flexed carpus/fetlock -drags toe **often open on medial aspect** ***no dropped elbow (which is seen with ulnar fractures)

Question 6

ulnar and radial fractures can have a similar presentation in horses. what’s a big difference?

Answer 6

both may have flexed carpus/fetlock with dragging of toe BUT ulna fractures are marked by a dropped elbow. Radial fractures are NOT and are often open medially

Question 7

treatment for nondisplaced radial fractures in horses

Answer 7

conservative management for 3-4 months (stall rest with cross ties or rescue sling) prognosis excellent

Question 8

prognosis for nondisplaced radial fractures in horses

Answer 8

excellent

Question 9

first aid care for radial fractures in horses

Answer 9

-wound care: often open on medial aspect -modified robert jones bandage with CADUAL and EXTENDED LATERAL splint

Question 10

first aid care differs for ulnar and radial fractures. what’s the difference?

Answer 10

-ulnar fractures: FULL limb bandage with CAUDAL splint -radial fractures MODIFIED ROBERT JONES with caudal AND EXTENDED LATERAL splints

Question 11

treatment for displaced radial fractures in horses?

Answer 11

double plate MANDATORY for ADULTS (CRANIAL and LATERAL)

• cranial: DCP, LCP
• lateral: dynamic condylar screw plate

in foals with mid diaphyseal fractures you can use just a cranial plate + lag screw

Question 12

for displaced radial fractures in horses, a double plate fixation is MANDATORY for ADULTS where do the plates go and what plates can you use?

Answer 12

-cranial: DCP, LCP -lateral: dynamic condylar screw plate

Question 13

a double plate fixation is MANDATORY in adult horses with displaced radial fractures. what’s the exception?

Answer 13

foals with daiphyseal fractures you can use a cranial plate + lag screw; approach: between extensor carpii radialis and common digital extensor

Question 14

prognosis for radial fractures in horses

Answer 14

<250 kg: good >250 kg with displaced fracture: poor

Question 15

ulna is complete in _____

Answer 15

cattle

Question 16

what to remember about calves and implants?

Answer 16

their cortices are soft and thin -> NO implants

Question 17

cause of radial-ulna fractures in calves

Answer 17

direct trauma from dam or forced fetal extraction

Question 18

sign of radial ulna fracture in calf

Answer 18

drags toe

Question 19

first aid treatment for radial ulna fracture in calves

Answer 19

extended lateral splint

Question 20

treatment for radial ulna fracture in calves

Answer 20

coaptation (FULL limb cast + THOMAS SCHROEDER splint) NO implants in calves: cortices too thin and soft

Question 21

Answer 21

Dynamic condylar screw plate

used to treat displaced radial fractures. Double plating system: cranial DCP or LCP; lateral dynamic condylar screw plate