CHAPTEK XV. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE TIBIA. 



1.— Fracture and Fissure of the Tibia. 



History. — Lameness following external violence, falls, 

 slipping and struggling while cast, with inability to rise. 



FISSURE OF THE TIBIA. 



Inspection. — When the bone is only fissured, there is severe 

 supporting and swinging leg lameness. 



Palpation. — Splitting of the bone usually shows a tract 

 of increased sensibility, running in a certain direction, on 

 the inner face of the tibia, provided that the fissure is on 

 that part ; if on any other portion of the tibia, this tract of 

 increased sensibility cannot be detected, as the heavy layers 

 of muscles interfere with palpation. But any severe 

 lameness, immediately following some external violence 

 exerted upon the internal face of the tibia, with an absence 

 of marked periostitis, — that is, excessive pain upon 

 palpation, — suggests fissuring of the tibia. 



FRACTURE OF THE TIBIA. 



Inspection. — The tottering, dangling appearance of the 

 leg, the inability to sustain any weight, the wabbling of the 

 leg as the foot is raised, and possibly traces of external 

 violence and wounds (the result of penetrating bony 

 splinters), characterize it. 



Palpation. — Crepitation, as well as abnormal mobility, can 

 always be detected. Soon after the occurrence of the fracture 

 more or less hot and painful swelling sets in. 



