Long bone fractures/head and neck fractures Flashcards
What is the difference of fracture repair in domestic animals vs. large animals?
Large animals must be ambulatory & fully weight-bearing immediately post-op
What are the challenges of fracture fixation in equine?
Large plates make skin closure difficult
Implant failure (excessive movement)
Post-op lameness (contralateral limb laminitis)
How many Salter Harris fracture types are there and what are they?
Five
1: through the physis (S-straight)
2: through metaphysis (A-above)
3: through epiphysis (L-Lower)
4: through all (T-through)
5: compression (ER-CRush)
What causes the prognosis to decrease when dealing with Salter Harris fractures?
Articular involvement
What is a common fracture in young racehorses?
Lateral condylar fractures (vertical fractures of distal cannon bone)
Where are the condylar fractures commonly found in thoroughbreds vs. standard bred horses?
TB: Forelimb
SB: equally found on fore/hindlimb
What is the typical series of events leading to a condylar fracture?
High compressive load –> sclerosis –> microtrauma –> fracture
What type of condylar fractures have the best prognosis?
Non-displaced incomplete fracture
Hx of lameness with acute exacerbation
What signs are noticed with acute displaced fractures?
Pain on palpation
Joint effusion
Severe lameness after intense exercise
What radiographic view highlights palmar aspect of bone to fully evaluate the joint?
Tangential view
What is the sx treatment for a condylar fracture?
Internal fixation with transcortical lag screws
How many screws are needed in the internal fixation of a condylar fracture?
2 screws
What is the most common long bone fracture in horses?
Cannon bone diaphyseal fractures
What is the prognosis dependent upon for cannon bone diaphyseal fractures?
First aid in the field and external coaptation
What is the tx for cannon bone diaphyseal fractures?
Double plate fixation
What side are the plates placed on for cannon bone fractures?
Tension side, 90 degrees from each other
Why are plates offset when treating cannon bone diaphyseal fractures?
To reduce the fulcrum effect
What is the maximum amount of compression that is used when using plate holes?
4mm compression
What are the four functions of plates and which of these functions is not applied to LA?
- Compression
- Neutralization
- Tension band
- Buttress- not for LA (not strong enough)
What are two advantages of limited contact-dynamic compression plate?
Continuity of bending stiffness
Improved blood supply under plate (can place at 40 degree angle)
Which orthopedic plate is specifically made for equine?
Locking compression plate
What are ulnar fractures caused by?
Direct trauma
What muscle attaches to the olecranon?
Triceps m.
What is the characteristic sign of ulnar fractures?
Dropped elbow and carpus in flexion
What is disrupted during an ulnar fracture?
Stay apparatus disrupted
Important to splint the carpus in extension before transport so they are weight bearing
Where is the splint for transport applied with ulnar fractures?
Palmar splint from fetlock to elbow
**exclusion of the joint above/below rule