Page 449 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

encourages the bone to grow. A combination of these techniques may be used.

VetBooks.ir Prognosis

The prognosis is good for foals with mild or moderate deformities that are recognized and
treated promptly.

The prognosis is more guarded for those with severe deformities and abnormalities of the
carpal or tarsal bones.

FRACTURES

A fracture can be defined as a break in the continuity of a bone. Advances in surgical

techniques, repair materials and anaesthesia mean that a wide range of equine fractures can
now be successfully treated. The prognosis depends on which bone is involved and the nature
of the fracture. Fractures of the upper limb have a poor prognosis but many fractures of the

lower limb can be repaired.

Types of fracture

Fractures can be divided into several main categories.
• Simple fractures have a single fracture line and the bone is in 2 pieces.

• Comminuted fractures have 2 or more fracture lines and a minimum of 3 fragments

(Figure 10.10).
• Closed fractures: the skin over the fracture has not been broken.

• Open or compound fractures: the skin over the fracture site has been broken. These

fractures are nearly always contaminated and have a more guarded prognosis.
• Articular fractures involve the articular surface of a joint.

• Avulsion fractures: a fragment of bone is torn away at the site of attachment of a

ligament or tendon.
• Complete fractures divide the bone into 2 or more pieces.

• Incomplete or fissure fractures affect only part of a bone and do not completely divide

it into 2 pieces.
• Chip fractures: a small fragment of bone is loosened or detached.

• Slab fractures: extend from one articular surface to another articular surface