6o THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



or elongated. Occasionally two nodules are present, connected by an 

 intervening ridge, when the name fusee splint is frequently applied to it. 

 The name peg splint is applied to another kind, when we have two little 

 knobs, one on either side of the limb, with a connecting-rod passing 

 across the back of the large metacarpal bone. Occasionally a number of 

 small splints, which are usually not larger than a pea, are found arranged 

 in a row one above the other. They may extend from the knee to the 

 inferior end of the metacarpal bones. These are known as chain splints. 

 Interosseous splints are the most common kind, and are those which are 

 found along the line of apposition of the large and small metacarpal bones. 

 Thev are connected with ossification of the interosseous ligament. These 

 are also referred to as original splints, since it was at one time thought that 

 splints never arose excepting in connection with this ligament. Splints are, 

 however, sometimes found well forward on the large metacarpal bone and 

 quite clear of the ligament. These are said to be favourably situated, and 

 splints so placed are usually large, and frequently are not associated with 

 severe lameness. Occasionally splints are found behind the large meta- 

 carpal bone, and under the suspensory ligament. These are termed posterior 

 splints, and are considered to be one of the worst forms. 



Splints are also classified as high and low, the former class embracing 

 those which are near the knee, whilst low splints are those below the 

 middle of the metacarpus. 



It is a matter of considerable difficulty to offer any prognosis as to 

 whether or not a splint is in such a position that it will not cause lameness, 

 and some observers even maintain that the position of the splint has 

 nothing whatever to do with the production of lameness. 



Quite a number of theories have been advanced as to the causation of 

 splints. Thev have been attributed to a defective arrangement of the 

 lower row of carpal bones. It will be remembered that the trapezoid 

 articulates inferiorly entirely with the head of the inner small metacarpal. 

 The entire jar of the trapezoid is therefore thrown upon the latter, so 

 that when the limb is subjected to any considerable amount of concussion 



