Splints/Casting Flashcards
What is the name of the commercial splint?
Kimzey leg saver splint
What is the main use of a splint?
Fracture stabilization for transportation (especially phalanx fracture)
What is the most important rule for fracture stabilization?
Must immobilize joint above and joint below fracture
Fractures of which bones require no immobilization due to the large amount of muscle mass that assists in stabilizing currently?
Humerus and femur fractures
At this point you are just adding weight and counterbalancing what you want to do
What splint should be used for a radial fracture?
Robert jones bandage or stack bandage up
What are the landmarks for a radial fracture splint?
Palmar splint from heels –> elbows
Lateral splint from hoof –> withers
What are the landmarks for a olecranon fracture splint?
Stack bandage with a palmar splint from heels –> top of elbow
No immobilization of joint above and below- this is a temporary splint
Fracture of what area disrupts the stay apparatus preventing a horse from bearing weight?
Olecranon fractures
Which splint is specific for radial and tibial fracture stabilization in farm animals only?
Thomas-schroeder splint
In what position does the Thomas-schroeder splint keep the farm animals’ leg in?
Maintains limb in extension and immobilizes the elbow
- can be used for gastrocnemius rupture
Where should a cast never begin or end?
Middle of a long bone- can rub/slide and you can create a fulcrum which increases the risk of fracturing that site
What are some examples of cast uses?
Immobilization for:
- lacerations
- fracture stabilization
- transfixation pin casting
- support for fracture repair
- ST injuries
What are the two common casting materials used?
Plaster of paris
Fiberglass casting tape
Why is the plaster of paris no longer practical?
Takes too long to set and it is messy, poor strength to weight ration and too heavy
How soon can an animal walk post fiberglass casting application?
15-20 minutes after application
What are three common complications of immobilization through casting?
Articular cartilage degeneration
Loss of bone density
Decreased muscle strength
Which type of cast has less risk of complications to occur?
Slipper/foot casts b/c only on for 10-14 days
Which cast types are patients standing for?
Slipper/foot casts, bandage casts
What type of wire is placed through the hoof wall medially and laterally?
Gigli wire
Where should extra cast padding be applied?
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)
How long should the fiberglass casting tape be placed in water for?
Five seconds
-squeeze underwater
What should the thickness of the casting layers be?
1/4”-1/2”
How long does it take for the cast material to set and how long until patient can weight bear?
sets: 5 minutes
weight bearing: 20-30 minutes
What are the materials that are needed for cast removal?
Cast saw, gigli wire, cast spreaders, gloves
What are some CS that can be attributed to cast complications/failure?
Swelling Foul odor Moisture Cracks Increased temperature at the cast
When should a cast be changed?
The first sign of any lameness
No complications then change every 6 wks in adults and 7-14 days in neonates
What are common fractures seen in foals and calves?
Physeal fractures
Commonly caused by dystocia and using chains to pull calf/foal out
T/F: Prognosis increases as the Salter Harris type increases
FALSE- prognosis decreases
Which Salter Harris type fractures don’t involve the articular surface?
Type I and II
What type of cast is used on a Salter Harris Type II fracture?
1/2 limb cast
How long should animal be on stall rest post- cast application?
4-5 weeks
