SA Orthopedics Flashcards
What are the signs for forelimb lameness?
head bob: down on the sound
abduction, adduction or circumdunction of the limb
Change in stride length/duration
What are the signs for hind limb lameness?
Hip hike on the affected leg
Abduction, adduction or circumduction of the limb
Shorter stride of affected leg
Faster stride on sound leg
Bunny hopping
What is the lameness scale for small animals?
0-4
What does grade 0 mean on the lameness scale?
Sound
What does grade 1 mean on the lameness scale?
mild weight bearing lameness
What does grade 2 mean on the lameness scale?
moderate weight bearing lameness
What does grade 3 mean on the lameness scale?
severe weight bearing to toe touching lameness
What does grade 4 mean on the lameness scale?
non weight bearing at all times
What are the steps to perform a complete orthopedic examination?
Examine for symmetry, equal weight distribution, joint effusion, pain, swelling, crepitus, palpate areas low on muscle mass, ROM, instability
What would you examine on long bone palpation?
Pain, swelling, crepitus
Palpate in areas of low muscle mass
What would you examine on joint palpation?
- Normal, pain free ROM
- Swelling, pain, & crepitus
- Instability (flexion/extension) (lateral/medial)
What would you examine on muscle palpation?
- Pain & swelling
- Atrophy/asymmetry
What would you examine on cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, lumbosacral junction
palpation of lateral cervical
direct spinal palpation of dorsal spinous processes
Direct downward palpation tail manipulation & rectal palpation
What would you examine on phalangeal joints?
Nails, interdigital spaces, joint ROM, pain, thickening
What would you examine on carpus joints?
Palpation for effusion: joint space either side of the extensor tendons
Range of motion
Instability
Hyperextension injury
Palpation of the sesamoids
