Lecture 13: Fractures of Pelvic Limb II

True or false: the fibula is seldom stabilized unless stability of stifle or hock is threatened

true

What effect does the small amount of soft tissue surrounding the tibia and fibula have in fracture cases?

• Increases possibility of open fractures

• Potentially decreases extraosseous blood supply

• Advantageous for placing an ESF

• Minimal soft tissue coverage of bone plates results in: Tissue irritation, Cold hypersensitivity

Other than neoplasia, what else could cause a pathologic fracture of a tibia/fibula?

metabolic disease

Why is cast/splint fixation appropriate for medical management of close, nondisplaced, or greenstick tibial or fibular fractures?

Joint above & below fractured bone (stifle & hock) can be immobilized

Why is a tibial or fibular fracture temporarily stabilized with a robert jones bandage?

• Immobilize fragments

• Decrease or prevent soft tissue swelling

• Protect or prevent open wounds

• Enhance patient comfort until surgery performed

Why are IM pins used to stabilize tibial diaphyseal fractures?

provides excellent resistance to bending (needs additional implants to provid rotational and axial support)

For spiral or oblique tibial/fibular fractures where length of fracture line is __________ diameter, use IM pin and multiple cerclage wires.

2-3x diaphyseal

Why is it important to perform a normograde insertion of an IM pin?

Prevent injury to stifle region

Type Ia and Ib ESF to treat tibial fractures in patients w/ _______ FAS.

high and moderate

Type II external fixators used to treat patients with ___ FAS.

low

Fractures of distal tibia in mature animals usually involve _______.

malleoli

Why do metaphyseal fractures of tibia and fibula heal quickly?

due to large amounts of cancellous bone around fx

Proximal and distal tibial physeal fxs are usually Slater _ or _ fx.

I or II

Use ____ implants when crossing physis in animals w/ potential growth.

smooth

Fractures through physis of tibial tuberosity result in proximal displacement of tuberosity. Why must this be reduced and stabilized?

to restore quadriceps muscle function and stifle extension

What is the prognosis for growth for most trauma-induced physeal fractures?

guarded due to damage to growing cells

What are the effects of premature closure of proximal or distal tibial physis due to fracture?

• Usually results in short but straight limb

• Animal compensates by extending stifle

Caudal malalignment of proximal tibial epiphysis may result in ______.

increased tibial plateau angle