Conservative Fracture Treatment Using Casts: Indications, Principles of Closed Fracture Reduction and Stabilization, and Cast Materials

摘要

Conservative fracture treatment, using casts is a valuable option for selected, diaphyseal long-bone fractures distal to the elbow and stifle.Young animals with no concurrent soft tissue injuries are ideal candidates because of their excellent fracture-healing tendencies. Closed reduction can be accomplished using linear distraction or the toggling method. Inherently stable fractures following reduction are suitable for this treatment.To compensate for late deformity, the cast should be curved to exert, pressure at certain points of the skeleton. A squeezing grip in radial and ulnar fractures locally supports the fractures and may prevent synostosis.