Splint Bone and Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fractures Flashcards
What do splint bones provide support to?
Axial support to the carpus and tarsus
What are 2 main causes of splint bone fracture?
Hyperextension of the fetlock
External trauma **More common
How can many splint bone fractures be treated?
Rest
What condition may be a cause of persistent lameness in cases of splint bone fractures?
Suspensory desmitis
What are 3 treatments for a splint bone fracture?
Segmental ostectomy
Removal of the distal portion (midbody fx)
Conservative treatment
How would you manage a proximal splint bone fracture?
Wound management and removal of bone fragments with internal fixation.
When using internal fixation to repair a splint bone fracture, what is best?
Plates are better than screws.
How do you manage a distal splint bone fracture?
Surgical removal.
How much for the distal splint bone can you remove?
No more than 2/3 or you run a risk of collapse of proximal segment.
NOTE: Except metatarsal 4, but not guaranteed.
If you HAVE to remove more than the distal 2/3 of the splint bone, what else will be needed for proper repair?
Internal fixation
When plating a splint bone, what do you NOT want to engage?
MC III
If you DO engage the MC III while using a plate to help repair a splint bone fracture, how long can you leave the plate in for?
3-4 months
What can we see if there is a large callus formed during the healing of a fractured splint bone?
Can see chronic lameness due to impingement on the suspensory ligament causing suspensory demitis.
What is a splint exostosis?
A firm swelling due to a benign outgrowth
What horses do you see splint exostosis in?
Young horses
Which splint bone do you usually see exostosis in?
MC II
What are 2 causes of splint exostosis?
Direct trauma
Ligamentous inflammation
What clinical signs will you see with splint exostosis?
Lame initially with a firm, warm and painful swelling on palpation.
What 2 things does ligamentous injury result in?
Desmitis
Periostitis
What is a “hidden splint”?
The “bump” from a splint exostosis goes inward on the rads so they’re harder to see.
NOTE: More likely to cause impingement on the suspensory ligament.