Dorsal Distal Limb Wounds in Horses Flashcards
What are the challenges to successfully close a dorsal distal limb wound?
- Involvement of different structures
- Lack of supporting subcutaneous tissue
- Excessive tension due to inelastic skin in distal limb
Which structures in the distal limb need to be evaluated?
Extensor tendon
Periosteum/cortex of MC/MT III
Metacarpophalangeal joint
Why are extensor tendons rarely sutured?
Sutures do not stay
Integrity of the extensor tendons is not critical for future athletic soundess
What size needle should be placed in a fetlock joint space (volar pouch) to assess for wound leakage?
20G needle
What is the volar pouch?
Fetlock joint space
How long are release incisions?
1cm
Where are release incisions made?
1cm from the skin edge on dorsal & lateral aspect of the wound
How far should the 2nd row of releasing incisions be from the first row?
5mm & alternating
What direction should incisions for drains be placed respective to the wound?
Parallel to the wound (vertical) on distal & proximal aspect of the wound
Which drain incision will drain the entire dead space?
Distal incision to skin flap
What size of suture is best used in a vertical mattress pattern?
1
What size of suture is best used in a horizontal mattress pattern?
2-0 or 0
Where is the most tension on a distal wound?
Proximal aspect
Where should the knots be?
Proximal & lateral side of the wound (NEVER on the flap)
What is the tendency of the skin? Inversion or eversion?
Invert
