Study Guide: Stabilizing Equine Fractures in the Field

Why is proper splinting and transportation important to patient care and treatment?

Proper splinting and transportation is important to patient care and treatment because it improves the chances of successful surgical repair

How many levels can thoracic and pelvic fractures in the horse be classified into?

4 levels

Which bones are stabilized with a thoracic limb level one fracture?

The bones stabilized with a TL level 1 fracture are the phalanges, proximal sesamoids, and distal metacarpus

How do you stabilize a thoracic limb level one fracture?

A TL level 1 fracture is stabilized with a cast/ padded bangafe and dorsal splint.

What is the proper padding technique for level one splint application of the thoracic limb?

The splint/ cast should be applied over minimal padding that extends from the distal carpus to the toe

What is the purpose of a properly applied thoracic limb splint?

The purpose of a properly applied thoracic limb splint is to align the dorsal cortices of the bones of the digit in a straight line to neutralize bending forces at the fracture site and protect soft tissues from further damage.

Which bones are stabilized with a thoracic limb level two fracture?

The bones stabilized with a TL level 2 fracture include the distal radius to the mid metacarpus.

How do you stabilize a thoracic limb level two splint?

A TL level 2 splint is best stabilized with a Roger Jones Bandage. Multiple laters of cotton padding are compressed with gauze and elasticon; that should be 3 times the diameter of the limb. Splints are applied to caudal and lateral surfaces of limb.

What is the diameter of the finished bandage compared to the limb at the level of a thoracic limb level two fracture?

3 times the diameter of the limb

Which bones are stabilized with a thoracic limb level three fracture?

The bones stabilized with a TL level 3 fracture include the middle and proximal radius

What is the proper splint application for a level three thoracic limb fracture?

The proper splint application for a level 3 TL fracture is the placement of a robert jones bandage with a caudal and extended lateral splint.

What is the major concern with thoracic limb level three fractures?

The major concern with TL level 3 fractures are that they are open and often more difficult to immobilize.

What is the primary goal of splinting thoracic limb level three fractures?

The primary goal of splinting TL level 3 fractures is to protect the skeletal frame.

Because the major muscle groups that flex or extend the proximal forelimb are found on the lateral aspect of the limb, contraction of these muscles in the presence of fractures that disrupt the skeletal frame in this area causes abduction of the limb distal to the fracture

site. This often leads to penetration of bone fragments through the skin on the medial sideof the limb. Therefore, the primary goal of splinting level 3 fractures is to prevent abduction of the injured limb

Which bones are affected in a thoracic limb level four fracture?

Bones affected in a TL level 4 fracture include the humerus, ulna, and distal scapula

What is the proper splint application for a level four thoracic limb fracture?

Level 4 TL fractures are not generally splinted at the fracture site, a padded bandage with a caudal splint extending from the elbow to the ground should be used.

What is the purpose of using a level four thoracic limb splint?

The purpose of using a level 4 TL splint is to improve balance for transportation as it fixes the elbow to help with weight bearing.

Which bones are affected in a pelvic limb level one fracture?

The bones affected in a PL level 1 fracture include phalanges and distal metatarsus

What is the difference between a thoracic limb versus a pelvic limb level one splint and why?

The difference between a TL and PL level 1 splint is that a TL uses a dorsal splint whereas a PL uses a plantar splint because of the natural flexion induced by the reciprocal apparatus. This allows for the alignment of the solar surface of the foot and the bones of the digit and metatarsus.

Which bones are affected in a pelvic limb level two fracture?

The bones affected in a PL level 2 fracture include middle and proximal metatarsus.

What is the splinting technique for a level two pelvic limb fracture?

The splinting technique for level 2 PL fractures is managed with a cast or robert jones bandage with a plantar and lateral splint.

What is the purpose of the tuber calcis in splinting a level two pelvic limb fracture?

The purpose of the tuber calcis in splinting a level 1 PL fracture is that it acts as a functional extension of the metatarsus and provides additional support when incorporated into a bandage including caudal and lateral splints extending from the hock to the ground

How do cast padding uses differ between a level two thoracic limb and a pelvic limb fracture?

A level 2 PL cast padding should be less that what is used in the TL because it is more difficult to include the tarsus in the bandage, and too much padding under the splints will make it more difficult to stabilize the fracture.

Which bones are affected in a pelvic limb level three fracture?

The bones affected in a PL level 3 fracture are the tibia and tarsus

What is the splinting technique for a level three pelvic limb fracture?

The splinting technique for a level 3 PL fracture is the use of a robert jones bandage with an extended lateral splint.

What is the major concern with a pelvic limb level three fracture?

A major concern with PL level 3 fracture is the challenge of the biochemical load placed on the reciprocal apparatus causing immobilization in this area. If a tibia fracture is unstable, flexion of stifle will occur without flexion of the hock; thus fracture fragments will be overridden causing additional trauma. In addition this can create abnormal abduction of the distal portion of the limb

Which bones are affected in a pelvic limb level four fracture?

The bones affected in PL level 4 fracture include the femur or pelvis

What is the splinting technique for a level four pelvic limb fracture?

The splinting technique for a level 4 PL fracture - is that they are not splinted. They need to be kept quiet and assisted as much as possible.