18 LAMENESS OP THE HORSE 



Multiple Fractures. 



Fractures are called multiple when the bone is reduced to a 

 number of pieces of large size. This condition differs from a 

 comminuted fracture in that the multiple fracture may break 

 the bone into several pieces without the pieces being ground or 

 crushed, and the affected bone may still retain its normal shape. 



Further classification is of value in describing fractures of 

 bone with respect to the manner in which the bone is broken — 

 the direction of the fissure or fissures in relation to its long 

 axis. 



A fracture is transverse when the bone is broken at a right 

 angle from its long axis. Such breaks when simple, are the least 

 trouble to care for because there is little likelihood that the 

 broken ends of bone will become so displaced that they will not 

 remain in apposition. Simple transverse fracture of the meta- 

 carpus, for instance, constitutes a favorable case for treatment 

 if other conditions are favorable. 



Otlique fractures, as may be surmised, are solutions of con- 

 tinuity of bone in such manner that the fissure crosses the long 

 axis of a bone at an acute or obtuse angle. These fractures are 

 prone to injure the soft structures adjacent, and are frequently 

 compound, as well. IMoreover, because of the fact that the ap- 

 posing pieces of bone are beveled, the broken ends of bone are 

 likely to pass one another in such a way as to shorten the dis- 

 tance between the extremities of the injured member. Con- 

 traction of muscles also tends to exert traction upon a bone so 

 fractured, resulting in a lateral approximation of the diaphysis 

 and thus preventing union because the broken surfaces are not 

 in proper contact. 



Fractures are longiiudinal when the fissure is parallel with 

 the long axis of the bone. This variety of break is not infre- 

 quent in the first phalanx ; and a vertical fracture of the second 

 phalanx is also said to be longitudinal, however, there is little 

 difference (if any, in some subjects) between the vertical and 

 transverse diameters of this particular bone. 



Green stick fractures are essentially those resulting from falls 

 to young animals. Thej^ are usuallj^ sub-periosteal and when 



