Tip 1:
86% of all fractures of long bones of animals less than 5 years of age occur in the femur.
The femur was the first bone in which fracture fixation was attempted and despite most femoral fractures being closed, due to the thigh musculature conservative management is consistently ineffective and should be abolished in favour of internal fixations. Preoperative splinting or bandaging creates a fulcrum and often leads to greater displacement and soft tissue damage at the fracture site.
Tip 2:
The femoral head and neck is composed of a complex trabecular network which helps it to withstand the bending forces on it during daily activity. The angles of inclination and anteversion between the femoral head and diaphysis are important to understand as it influences fracture configuration, method of stabilisation and prognosis.
Tip 3:
The surgical approach for common ilial fractures is the “gluteal roll-up”. The gluteal muscles are elevated from lateral and ventral aspect of the ilium and retracted dorsally. Fracture reduction for pelvic fractures requires considerable physical effort and specific strategies that contribute to success.
Eager to investigate and learn develop practical skills in Hip and Hind Limb Surgery? Join Dr Brian Beale and VetPrac June 26th – 27th and register TODAY. For more information please take a look at the brochure.