FRACTURE OF THE PELVIS. 
475 
swinging leg lameness). In fractures of the ischium and pubis there 
is often a tendency to place the thigh in a position of adduction. 
Even when these fractures are uniting, and in fractures of the ischium, 
supporting leg lameness and abduction of the thigh is not infrequent. 
In fractures into the cotyloid cavity, especially when complicated with 
rupture of the ligamentum teres, the thigh is more or less relaxed, whilst 
during one stride the foot is abducted, and during the next adducted, 
causing the animal to stumble. 
Supporting leg lameness also follows fracture of the foramen ovale and 
of the transverse branch of the os pubis. In three cases seen by Moller 
lameness was absent: once in a fracture of the transverse branch of the 
os pubis, once in fracture through the os pubis and os ischii parallel to 
the pubic symphysis, and once in fracture of the external branch of the 
os ischii. The two latter fractures may not produce lameness; if then 
the animal is worked, the pieces of bone are repeatedly thrust apart, and 
union is attended with great difficulty, or may never occur. 
Nocard describes a peculiar lameness consequent on fracture through the 
foramen ovale. The foot was advanced stiffly (tout d’un piece), the thigh 
alone was normally moved, whilst the other parts of the leg seemed passively 
to follow it. The foot described a circle outwards, the stride being greatly 
shortened. This lameness, which Nocard ascribes to pressure of the callus 
on the nerves in the obturator foramen, shows a great similarity to that 
described by Moller as paralysis of the internal popliteal or of the obturator 
nerve. It is not surprising, under the circumstances, that the nerve should 
suffer disturbance of function. 
A mare had fallen six days before, and on being brought for examination, 
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 os ischii 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 crepita¬ 
tion 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 even be audible 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 
