Joint instability (Yr 4) Flashcards
what are the two main directions of hip luxation?
craniodorsal
caudoventral
what causes craniodorsal hip luxation?
trauma
hip dyplasia
what causes caudoventral hip luxation?
abduction of the limb
what is the most likely direction for hip luxation?
craniodorsal - weight bearing and pressure from gluteals
what are the three clinical signs of craniodorsal luxation?
internal rotation of limb
non-weight bearing (usually)
greater trochanter higher than normal
what are the three landmarks for assessing greater trochanter height in hip luxations?
ischiadic tuberosity
cranial dorsal iliac spine
greater trochanter
(should make triangle in normal dog but will be in a line if craniodorsal hip luxation)
what are the clinical signs of caudoventral hip luxation?
history (dog does the splits)
often very painful (head sits on nerves)
how can craniodorsal hip luxations be reduced non-surgically?
anaesthetise/sedate
lateral recumbency with affected limb uppermost
towel around inguinal area
externally rotate limb to release femoral head
traction caudoventrally
when femoral head distal to dorsal acetabular rim rotate the limb inwards
what type of support is placed on craniodorsal hip luxations once replaced?
(ehmer sling)
keep limb inwardly rotated
what support is used for caudoventral luxations once they have been replaced?
hobbles (stop legs splaying)
what patients are mandibular physeal separations most commonly seen in?
cats (especially after fall/trauma)
how are mandibular physeal separations diagnosed?
clinical examination - mandibular canines misaligned with excess movement
(radiographs to confirm other possible fractures)
what treatment options are available for mandibular separations?
muzzle
wire (metal or PDS)
what is the one time carpal hyperextension will correct itself?
young dogs that have been bandaged (due to fractures ect.) and develop weakness, this will self resolve with exercise
can carpal hyperextension be treated conservatively?
no, they require surgery
what can cause carpal hyperextension?
high rise falls (off walls…)
degeneration of palmar/plantar ligaments
collateral ligament injuries/ruptures
inflammatory processes
what is the management of carpal hyperflexion and tarsal instability based off?
degree of lameness
dysfunction
exercises intolerance
load bearing angle
history of trauma (surgery usually indicated)
what dogs is gastrocnemius enthesopathy seen in?
large breeds
how do gastrocnemius enthesopathy present?
large breed dogs with thickened achilles tendon
partial/complete plantigrade stance
possible crabbed toe
how is gastrocnemius enthesopathy treated?
almost always surgery (don’t bandage)
what is an enthesopathy?
disorder at the site where a muscle/connective tissue connects to bone
why do animals with gastrocnemius enthesopathy present with crabbed toes?
hock drops meaning the SDFT has to travel further causing the toes to curl
how can digit luxations be treated?
if stable - reduce, splint, cutting nail short
if unstable - surgery required (stabilisation/amputation)
how many digits can you amputate on a limb?
one (more than this will have problems, especially 3 and 4 as these are weight bearing)
