Fractures of Ulna

Question 1

signalment for fractures of ulna in LAs

Answer 1

predominantly equines not bovines

Question 2

Type 1 ulna fracture in equines

Answer 2

involves the apophysis Type 1a: along the apophysis (nonarticular) Type 1b articular: starts along apophysis then crosses elbow joint Type 1b nonarticular: starts along apophysis and ends at cranial cortex of olecranon

Question 3

type 2 ulnar fractures in equines

Answer 3

articular simple fracture through body of olecranon

Question 4

type 3 ulnar fractures in equines

Answer 4

nonarticular simple fracture through body of oleccranon

Question 5

both type 2 and type 3 ulnar fractures are fractures through the body of the olecranon. what’s the difference?

Answer 5

type 2 is articular type 3 is nonarticular

Question 6

type 4 ulnar fractures in equines

Answer 6

can be articular OR nonarticular comminuted fracture of olecranon

Question 7

which type of ulnar fracture in equines can be articular or nonarticular?

Answer 7

type 4 (comminuted fracture of olecranon)

Question 8

type 5 ulnar fracture in equines

Answer 8

distal oblique ulnar fracture (articular)

Question 9

which types of ulnar fractures in equines are articular (4)

Answer 9

-Type 1 b articular: starts along apophysis and crosses into joint -Type 2: simple fracture through body of olecranon -Type 4: can be EITHER articular or nonarticular; comminuted fracture of olecranon -Type 5: distal oblique ulnar fracture

Question 10

with type of ulnar fracture is a simple fracture through the body of the olecranon and is articular?

Answer 10

type 2 (type 3 is simple NONarticular fracture through body of olecranon)

Question 11

which type of ulnar fracture is comminuted?

Answer 11

type 4 (can be articular or nonarticular)

Question 12

which type of ulnar fracture is a distal oblique fracture?

Answer 12

type 5 (articular)

Question 13

cause of ulnar fractures in equines?

Answer 13

direct trauma or injury during halter training

Question 14

signs of ulnar fractures in equines?

Answer 14

dropped elbow + flexed carpus

Question 15

first aid management of ulnar fractures in equines?

Answer 15

FULL limb bandage with CAUDAL splint to fix carpus in extension. ensure adequate padding

Question 16

surgery for fixing ulnar fractures in equines

Answer 16

open reduction + internal fixation using tension band principle; use wire or plate CAUDAL to olecranon <250 kg can use wire or hook plate >250 kg use plate (DCP, LC-DCP, LCP) in adults ONLY: plate can be screwed into caudal radius for extra stability. NEVER do in foals <1 yr. can -> subluxation of elbow and growth issues

Question 17

fractures of the olecranon in horses are fixed via open reduction and tension band fixation. in adults you can also screw the plat into the caudal radius for extra stability. why should you NEVER do this in foals?

Answer 17

can cause subluxation of elbow

Question 18

a horse <250 kg presents for ulna fracture reduction. what are your options?

Answer 18

you can use wire or hook plate for tension band fixation

Question 19

a horse >250 kg presents for ulna fracture reducion. what are your options?

Answer 19

plate in tension band fixation. CANNOT use wire or hook plate

Question 20

a horse presents with dropped elbow and flexed carpus. what do you suspect and what are some differentials?

Answer 20

suspect ulnar fracture DDx: humeral fracture, triceps myopathy, radial neuropathy

Question 21

prognosis for ulnar fractures in horses?

Answer 21

68-87%

Question 22

Answer 22

Question 23

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Question 24

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Question 26

Answer 26

Question 27

Answer 27

Question 28