Learning Issues:


1. Complications of a difficult birth, using obstetrical chains and Frank's calf jack.
Often in dystocia situations external device must be used in order to allow the calf to move out of the pelvic canal.  A couple of commonly used devices include a calf jack and OB chains.  OB chains are supposed to be place above the fetlock in a loop and near the pastern joint in a half loop configuration.  The calf jack allows additional force to be applied to assist in the delivery of the calf.  A calf jack may increase the fore excerted on the calf comparable to that of 7 men.  Both of these devices are very helpful in dystocia situations but if used inappropriately may cause damage to the fetus.
2. Complications of Long Term Casting (skin sloughing, wounds-draining tracks).
Actually in this case it was not a long term cast-in effect it was a "heavy bandage" that was used for three weeks and then a half limb cast was applied because the limb was still unstable.  The skin sloughing and draining wound tracts may be due to the original soft tissue injury of the misplaced OB chains. These skin lesions should have been cared for prior to casting the limb.
3. What are the indications for the use of a Half Limb Cast? Generally with fractures of the metacarpal region it is preferable to cast the joint above the fracture and the joint below the fracture.
4. Tight bands of tissue are palpable they connect the toes to the dorsum of the foot. This may be due tendon contracture and tissue build up/ from inflammatory processes that will no longer allow the joint/leg to move freely.
5. Metacarpal phylangeal joint has a decreased range of motion...What types of injuries can cause decrease range of motion? Fractures that are not completely healed, structural deformity, septic arthritis, and tendon contracture.