Racecourse fracture management. Part 2: Techniques for temporary immobilisation and transport

Abstract

In order to apply first aid support and manage effectively acute appendicular fractures, an understanding of the aims, principles and techniques available are important. The objective of this paper is to provide these in a detailed form. Comprehensive descriptions of cast, splint and bandage construction are given. Details of proprietary splints are provided together with discussion on suitability, indications and contraindications. Guidelines for movement and transport of injured horses are also described and discussed. Although the information given is tailored to racecourse injuries, the principles are equally applicable to the management of other equine fractures.

Racecourse fracture management. Part 3: Emergency care of specific fractures

“…Carpal alignment can be maintained and/or supported by splinted Robert Jones bandages. Wooden struts as previously described (Part 2: Wright ) are most frequently employed and for maximal benefit should be applied over a modified Robert Jones bandage that doubles the diameter of the limb. If wooden struts are employed then a minimum of two splints placed at 90° to each other are necessary.…”

Comparison of Two Bandage Splint Constructs in an Ex Vivo Equine Metacarpal Fracture Model

“…Historically, the recommended technique for field stabilization of an equine long bone fracture has been a Robert Jones bandage (RJB) with rigid splints applied in two planes at right angles (90 degrees) to each other, placed caudally and lateral laterally. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Despite widespread use, there is no reported objective data to the authors' knowledge supporting the RJB splint construct over other configurations in equine fractures. In fact, texts have expressed concerns that the excessively thick bandages used in emergency stabilization may allow more motion of the fracture site as the thick padding compresses.…”

“…In fact, texts have expressed concerns that the excessively thick bandages used in emergency stabilization may allow more motion of the fracture site as the thick padding compresses. 1,3,4 Authors have also suggested that the excessive padding results in increased motion of the bandage/splint construct, in addition to motion at the fracture site. They posit this is likely due to inadequate bandage material compression, creating a less rigid bandage over time.…”

“…They posit this is likely due to inadequate bandage material compression, creating a less rigid bandage over time. 1,3,4 This change in compression will result in decreased sub-bandage pressure, which is important for minimizing local oedema and supporting the surrounding soft tissues. 5,9,10 In addition, a recent study failed to detect any significant difference between a RJB/splint construct and a single-stack (SS) bandage with splints when measuring deflection in a wooden fracture model, casting doubt on whether the RJB is a more stable fixation.…”

Diagnosis and standing repair of a proximal metatarsal fracture in a racing Thoroughbred

“…Appropriate external support reduces the risk of injury propagation, protects fracture margins and provides significant analgesia. However, if the fracture location is unknown, indiscriminate support is contraindicated, particularly in the case of proximal limb fractures (Wright ). In this case report, history and presenting signs made a fracture affecting the proximal metatarsus or tarsus highly likely, but provided no clue as to the eventual unusual fracture configuration.…”