48 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



downwards. It is the impression left by the posterior radial artery and 

 the median nerve. 



In addition to the three usual centres of ossification possessed by long 

 bones, the radius has an additional centre from which the outer tuberosity 

 at its inferior extremity ossifies. This tuberosity should, strictly speak- 

 ing, be regarded as the distal end of the ulna. 



Fracture of this bone is frequently due to a fall, or to the animal 

 slipping and falling whilst attempting to rise on slippery ground. Or it 

 may result from a blow. Fractures near the extremities of the bone are 

 the most serious. Near the upper extremity we have a number of im- 

 portant vessels and nerves in intimate relationship to the bone, and fracture 

 with displacement leads to serious complications in the shape of injuries 

 to these structures. Occasionally the radius is the seat of a deferred 

 fracture, or one in which the fracture is not completed at the time of 

 the original injury, but is completed when some subsequent strain is 

 thrown upon the bone. Fractures through the middle of the shaft are 

 more amenable to treatment, excepting when compound, in which cases 

 destruction is to be advised. 



Diagnosis of fractured radius is not difficult, since the part can be 

 readily manipulated, and moreover, as will be remembered from our 

 superficial dissection, a considerable portion of the bone is immediately 

 subcutaneous. 



If treatment is decided upon, the fracture should be reduced with the 

 patient under an ansesthetic. The limb is then well packed around with 

 tow or cotton wool, upon which are placed splints of wood or iron. 

 Bandages are next applied from the coronet upwards, that portion of the 

 bandage which is bound round the forearm being coated with some agglu- 

 tinative material. Long and strong tapes are attached to the free end of 

 the bandage, and these are wound round the body at the withers to 

 prevent the bandage from slipping downwards. The patient is then 

 placed in slings. Another method is to apply the Bourgelat splint. 

 This is "a long rod fitting on the plantar surf\ice of the foot by lateral 



