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FRACTURE OF THE PELVIS. 
(6) Fracture of the ischium (a); of the tuber ischii (6). Swinging 
leg lameness, swelling of the vagina or rectum, frequently of the muscles 
of the thigh. After union is complete the gait often remains shuffling, 
the feet being dragged and the toes excessively worn, as in animals 
suffering from partial lumbar paralysis. Deformity of the point of the 
buttock sometimes exists, the latter when seen from behind appearing 
abnormally broad; when from the side, not reaching so far back as the 
sound buttock. Crepitation on moving the hind limb. 
(b) In fractures of the lateral branch of the ischium (4a), the vagina 
may be perforated, and bleeding occur from the vulva. Crepitation on 
moving the hind limbs is often marked. Slight lameness, or (if the 
pubis remain intact) absence of lameness, accompanied, however, by 
marked crepitation, point to fracture of this bone, especially if the 
above-described pelvic deformity exists. 
A knowledge of these facts, assisted by careful rectal or vaginal 
exploration, will in the larger animals usually ensure accurate diagnosis, 
not only of the position but also of the extent of fractures of the pelvis. 
When crepitation is marked and the femur known to be intact, broken 
pelvis can be confidently diagnosed. In small animals examination by 
Rontgen rays may also prove useful. 
The prognosis varies exceedingly, according to the position and extent 
of the fracture and the nature of existing complications. The danger 
increases somewhat in the following order :— 
(1) Fractures of the angles of the ilium. In fracture of the internal 
angle, provided the pelvis does not separate from the sacrum, movement 
is not interfered with and recovery always occurs. The significance of 
fractures of the external angle depends on the size of the broken off 
portion and the amount of deformity of the quarter. When only the 
anterior or posterior tuberosities are broken, lameness disappears com¬ 
pletely in three to six weeks; and even after fracture of both or detach¬ 
ment of a large fragment of bone, the lameness may also subside in six 
weeks, but not infrequently recurs after work. Fractures involving the 
flat portion of the ilium may sometimes permanently interfere with 
movement, the swinging leg lameness that remains preventing the 
animal going beyond a slow walk. Compound fractures of the ilium, 
i.e., those associated with injury to the skin, generally reunite under 
proper treatment, though sometimes only after a considerable time (six 
to ten weeks). The form of lameness frequently described as rupture of 
the M. tensor fasciae latae may perhaps be sometimes due to fracture 
of the external angle of the ilium. 
Pfeiffer saw a horse with fracture of the internal angle of the ilium ; the 
fractured part was as large as a cheese plate. The animal showed severe 
lameness whilst the leg was swinging forward. 
