Page 663 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

Lameness of the Proximal Limb 629

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A B

Figure 5.34. (A) Type III ulnar fracture. Source: Courtesy of Dr. Lori Gaschen. (B) Type VI ulnar fracture. Source:
Courtesy of Dr. Martin Waselau.

A B

Figure 5.35. Comminuted ulna fracture in a young foal (A) that healed following conservative treatment (B).

also may be treated conservatively; however, better Internal fixation of ulna fractures is performed in two
results are obtained with internal fixation to maintain basic manners. In young horses (younger than 6 months),
joint congruity. Conservative treatment includes band- the repair may be performed using a combination of
aging the limb with a caudal splint incorporated to the screws, pins, and tension band wires, or plating
level of the proximal antebrachium (Figure 12.8). (Figures 5.36 and 5.37). Distracted type I and II frac-
Complete stall rest is necessary, and a bandage and tures require contouring the plate over the top of the
splint are maintained for at least 6 weeks or until a olecranon. In younger foals a hook plate can be applied,
substantial improvement in the lameness is noted. or in even younger foals a tension band device with a
NSAIDs are administered in the early stages. Repeated pin or screw can be placed through the proximal epi-
radiographic studies can be performed to ensure frac- physis of the olecranon and a tension band wire applied
ture healing and that progressive displacement is not and twisted about a screw placed caudally and distally
occurring. 92 in the ulna. 14,63