734 Fractures of the pelvis. 



A mare had fallen six days before, and on being brought for ex- 

 amination showed marked supporting leg lameness and abduction of the 

 thigh. In this case the right hind-foot was abducted even when at rest. 

 On post-mortem, a fracture was found involving the inner and outer 

 branches of the os pubis, and extending over the symphysis pubis to the 

 opposite side. The outer branch of the right ischium was fractured close 

 behind the capsule of the joint, the inner branch was divided from the os 

 pubis, from which point the fracture extended forward towards the 

 symphysis pubis. 



In a gelding, slight lameness, accompanied by very distinct crepitation, 

 occurred after a fall. Even when trotted, the only point observable was 

 slight stiffness of the back and moderate abduction of both hind-feet ; 

 but by placing the hand on the quarter and causing the slightest movement, 

 distinct crepitation could be produced. Examination per anum showed 

 the case to be fracture parallel to the symphysis pubis. 



(2) Crepitation. This is particularly noticeable in fractures of 

 the pelvis with division of the pelvic girdle, and may be audible 

 at the stifle or even several steps away. In fractures of the ischium 

 and pubis it is less marked, though sometimes quite audible ; in 

 those of the external and internal angles of the ilium it is absent. 

 In making the examination, one hand is placed on the outer angle 

 of the ilium, the other on the buttock in the region of the tuber 

 ischii, and attempts made to move the rump from side to side so 

 as to throw the weight from one hind-foot to the other, or the hand 

 is placed on the outer angle of the ilium and the horse made to move. 

 In mares and cows, crepitation, especially in fractures of the pubis 

 and ischium, can be felt from the rectum or vagina by laying the 

 hand on the pelvic floor, and as the sensation is better conveyed 

 by the bones than by the soft parts, it is best to examine from this 

 point. Very slight crepitation can also be detected by applying 

 the ear against the quarter. When the animal is lying down, 

 crepitation may sometimes be produced by pressing on the outer 

 angle of the ilium, or by moving the hind-leg forwards ; the latter 

 is more successful in fractures of the tuber ischii. 



In fractures extending through the cotyloid cavity, crepitation 

 can even be heard when the horse is standing by merely pressing 

 on the muscles of the quarter, or by causing weight to be placed 

 on the affected leg. This is explained by the fact that the muscles 

 of the quarter are inserted partly in front of and partly below the 

 point of fracture, and in contracting, displace the pieces of bone — a 

 symptom that is of value both in prognosis and diagnosis. Crepitus 

 may be absent within a few hours after the accident from the 

 presence of blood clot, muscle, or other tissue between the broken 

 parts. 



