Splints/Casting

Question 1

What is the name of the commercial splint?

Answer 1

Kimzey leg saver splint

Question 2

What is the main use of a splint?

Answer 2

Fracture stabilization for transportation (especially phalanx fracture)

Question 3

What is the most important rule for fracture stabilization?

Answer 3

Must immobilize joint above and joint below fracture

Question 4

Fractures of which bones require no immobilization due to the large amount of muscle mass that assists in stabilizing currently?

Answer 4

Humerus and femur fractures

At this point you are just adding weight and counterbalancing what you want to do

Question 5

What splint should be used for a radial fracture?

Answer 5

Robert jones bandage or stack bandage up

Question 6

What are the landmarks for a radial fracture splint?

Answer 6

Palmar splint from heels –> elbows

Lateral splint from hoof –> withers

Question 7

What are the landmarks for a olecranon fracture splint?

Answer 7

Stack bandage with a palmar splint from heels –> top of elbow
No immobilization of joint above and below- this is a temporary splint

Question 8

Fracture of what area disrupts the stay apparatus preventing a horse from bearing weight?

Answer 8

Olecranon fractures

Question 9

Which splint is specific for radial and tibial fracture stabilization in farm animals only?

Answer 9

Thomas-schroeder splint

Question 10

In what position does the Thomas-schroeder splint keep the farm animals’ leg in?

Answer 10

Maintains limb in extension and immobilizes the elbow

- can be used for gastrocnemius rupture

Question 11

Where should a cast never begin or end?

Answer 11

Middle of a long bone- can rub/slide and you can create a fulcrum which increases the risk of fracturing that site

Question 12

What are some examples of cast uses?

Answer 12

Immobilization for:

• lacerations
• fracture stabilization
• transfixation pin casting
• support for fracture repair
• ST injuries

Question 13

What are the two common casting materials used?

Answer 13

Plaster of paris

Fiberglass casting tape

Question 14

Why is the plaster of paris no longer practical?

Answer 14

Takes too long to set and it is messy, poor strength to weight ration and too heavy

Question 15

How soon can an animal walk post fiberglass casting application?

Answer 15

15-20 minutes after application

Question 16

What are three common complications of immobilization through casting?

Answer 16

Articular cartilage degeneration
Loss of bone density
Decreased muscle strength

Question 17

Which type of cast has less risk of complications to occur?

Answer 17

Slipper/foot casts b/c only on for 10-14 days

Question 18

Which cast types are patients standing for?

Answer 18

Slipper/foot casts, bandage casts

Question 19

What type of wire is placed through the hoof wall medially and laterally?

Answer 19

Gigli wire

Question 20

Where should extra cast padding be applied?

Answer 20

Proximal aspect of cast as well as around coronary band/heel bulbs and fetlock region
(top of cast, coronary band/heel bulbs, proximal sesamoid bones)

Question 21

How long should the fiberglass casting tape be placed in water for?

Answer 21

Five seconds

-squeeze underwater

Question 22

What should the thickness of the casting layers be?

Answer 22

1/4”-1/2”

Question 23

How long does it take for the cast material to set and how long until patient can weight bear?

Answer 23

sets: 5 minutes

weight bearing: 20-30 minutes

Question 24

What are the materials that are needed for cast removal?

Answer 24

Cast saw, gigli wire, cast spreaders, gloves

Question 25

What are some CS that can be attributed to cast complications/failure?

Answer 25

Swelling
Foul odor
Moisture
Cracks 
Increased temperature at the cast

Question 26

When should a cast be changed?

Answer 26

The first sign of any lameness

No complications then change every 6 wks in adults and 7-14 days in neonates

Question 27

What are common fractures seen in foals and calves?

Answer 27

Physeal fractures

Commonly caused by dystocia and using chains to pull calf/foal out

Question 28

T/F: Prognosis increases as the Salter Harris type increases

Answer 28

FALSE- prognosis decreases

Question 29

Which Salter Harris type fractures don’t involve the articular surface?

Answer 29

Type I and II

Question 30

What type of cast is used on a Salter Harris Type II fracture?

Answer 30

1/2 limb cast

Question 31

How long should animal be on stall rest post- cast application?

Answer 31

4-5 weeks