Carpal luxation when present is to be recognized by finding the apposing carpal bones joined in an abnormal manner—that is, out of position. There is restricted or suspended function of the joint, and in the cases recorded, no difficulty has been experienced in making a diagnosis. The carpometacarpal portion of the articulation is the part which is usually affected.
Prognosis and Treatment.—There is no chance for complete recovery in the usual case of carpal fracture because of the fact that there results sufficient arthritis to destroy articular cartilage beyond repair. In the average instance, because of arthritis which persists for a considerable length of time, more or less ankylosis results. At best, one can only hope for partial recovery, that is to say, the member may regain its usefulness as a weight-supporting part, but because of restricted or abolished joint function, locomotion is more or less difficult. Exostoses, articular and periarticular, occur and the carpus usually becomes a large immobile articulation. There is danger of infection resulting in simple carpal fractures and, needless to say, in a compound-comminuted fracture of the carpus, infection usually occurs and a fatal outcome is probable.
When treatment is instituted, antiseptic precautions are taken in handling the compound fractures, and in any case immobilization of the parts is sought. Here, as has been previously pointed out, it is best to employ leather splints, so that a maximum degree of rigidity with a minimum of distress and inconvenience to the patient will result. The leg must be bandaged from the hoof upward, making use of a sufficient amount of cotton to ensure against pressure-necrosis. The leather splints are placed mesially and laterally and, of course, need to extend as high as the proximal end of the radius. Subjects must be kept in slings until union of bones has become established, and as a rule there will then exist marked ankylosis.
There is no particular difference in the handling of carpal luxation and dislocation of other bones. Where ligaments have not been destroyed to the extent that reduction is of no practical use, the parts are kept immobilized, if thought necessary. Later, vesication of the whole pericarpal region is done and the subject allowed exercise at will.
Carpitis.
Etiology and Occurrence.—Inflammation of the carpus is caused by contusions, such as are occasioned in falling, by kicks by striking the carpus against objects in jumping and sometimes by striking it against the manger in pawing. The condition is of rather frequent occurrence.
Symptomatology.—Evident symptoms of inflammation in carpitis are always present—hyperthermia, supersensitiveness and swelling. Also, there exists lameness which is characterized by an apparent inability to flex the leg, and there is circumduction of the leg as it is advanced because in this way little if any flexion of the carpus (which increases pain) is necessary.
Depending upon the nature of the cause, there occurs a marked difference in the character and amount of swelling.
