ISSN 2398-2969      

Metacarpus, metatarsus and phalanges: fracture

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Introduction

  • Cause: fractures of the canine metacarpal, metatarsal and phalangeal bones occur predominantly as a result of trauma, usually a fall from a height, a bite, something being dropped on the foot or a road traffic accident.  
  • Signs: acute onset, non-weight bearing lameness is the most common presentation.  
  • Treatment: conservative management can be considered for minimally displaced fractures or when three or fewer metabones are fractured. Surgery is recommended when fractures are displaced or when all 4 bones are broken, and is advisable when only 1 metabone remains intact.
  • Prognosis: when managed appropriately and promptly the prognosis for metabone fractures is generally good.

Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource
  • Kornmayer M, Matis U (2017) Dowel pinning for metavcarapl and metatarsal fractures in dogs. Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere 45(3),154-162 PubMed.
  • Kornmayer M, Failing K, Matis U (2014) Long-term prognosis of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 27(1) 45-53  DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-13-03-0038 PubMed.
  • Kulendra E (2014) Management of metatarsal & metacarpal fractures. Vet Ireland J 4(2), 94-97 Article.
  • Piras A, Guerrero T G (2012) Minimally invasive repair of meta-bones. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 42(5) 1045-1050 PubMed.
  • Fitzpatrick N, Riordan J O, Smith T J, Modlinska J H, Tucker R, Yeadon R (2011) Combined intramedullary and external skeletal fixation of metatarsal and metacarpal fractures in 12 dogs and 19 cats. Vet Surg 40(8), 1015-1022 PubMed.
  • Kapatkin A, Howe-Smith, Shofer J (2000) Conservative versus surgical management of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 13(03), 123-127 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632646.

Other sources of information

  • Guilliard M (2016) The distal limb. In: BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Fracture Repair and Management. Chapter 26. Eds Gemmill T & Clements D, BSAVA publishing. ISBN: 978-1-905-31968-8. 

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