amputation and luxation Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are key considerations before performing an emergency limb amputation?
Assess severity of injury, likelihood of recovery, cost and owner commitment, and check for co-existing orthopaedic disease, especially in other limbs.
Which type of limb amputation is generally better tolerated in dogs and cats?
Hindlimb amputation is generally better tolerated than forelimb amputation.
What is the preferred technique for forelimb amputation?
Forequarter amputation, including removal of the scapula.
How are nerves managed during limb amputation to reduce pain?
Infiltrate nerves with local anaesthetic (e.g., lidocaine/bupivacaine) before sharply transecting them with a scalpel.
What is the difference between luxation and subluxation?
Luxation is complete joint separation (dislocation), while subluxation is partial separation.
How is a craniodorsal hip luxation typically reduced?
Externally rotate the limb, apply caudoventral traction, then internally rotate while pushing the greater trochanter medially.
What is the Ehmer sling used for?
To maintain limb in an internally rotated, non-weightbearing position post-hip reduction to prevent reluxation.
What is Campbell’s test used to assess?
Elbow joint stability post-reduction by testing integrity of the collateral ligaments.
What splint is used for stabilising lateral shoulder luxation?
Spica splint.
Why is surgery usually required for stifle luxation?
Because it typically involves multiple ligamentous injuries making the joint grossly unstable.
What is often the emergency treatment for carpal/tarsal luxations?
Placement of a splinted dressing to temporarily stabilise the joint.
When is pantarsal or pancarpal arthrodesis indicated?
For talocrural or radiocarpal joint luxations, or when smaller joint injuries lead to instability not manageable by splinting alone.
