Splint Bone Fractures

Question 1

How do you conservatively treat splint bone fractures?

Answer 1

• Conservative
• Segmental ostectomy
• Removal of distal portion (midbody fracture)
• ORIF
• Proximal fracture –> wound management and removal of loose fragments, internal fixation (proximal splint bone fracture)

Question 2

How do you surgically treat splint bone fractures?

Answer 2

Removal of fracture fragments
Removal of residual distal splint bone
**Do NOT remove more than the distal 2/3 of
the splint bone (except MTIV)
If removal of > 2/3 of distal splint – need internal
fixation of prox. fragment
Segmental ostectomy

Question 3

What must you be aware of when internalling fixing splint bones?

Answer 3

If plating a splint bone fx
DO NOT engage MCIII**
Will cause persistent lameness
Must remove plate 3 – 4 months post op if MCIII
engaged –> be sure to tell client that patient must undergo another surgery before returning to work

Question 4

What is splint exostosis?

Answer 4

• Seen in young horses in metacarpal II
• Caused from direct trauma, ligamentous inflammation
• Are initially lame –> firm swelling, warm and painful on palpation

Question 5

What is treatment for exostosis?

Answer 5

Conservative
Rest, NSAIDs
Local DMSO / or infiltration with corticosteroids
Surgical
Linear incision over site with en bloc removal
Excellent bandaging required post op**

Question 6

Where do you want to surgically cut when looking for exostosis?

Answer 6

 Incise directly over the splint
bone from the middle of the
splint bone to the button
 No muscles or neurovascular structures

Question 7

Where is osteostixis?

Answer 7

Drilling holes into the bone to gain access to the medullary cavity and bone marrow –> lots of good growth material