Diagnosis of ligament sprains involve case history, signs & symptoms, palpation, flexion tests, ultrasounds, MRI, nuclear scintigraphy, intra articular anaesthesia, nerve blocks, arthroscopy and x-ray to rule out fracture. Treatment is dependent on the location and severity of the sprain. Rest, NSAIDs, stabilization of joint via support bandaging/splints/casts, plates/screws/wires, arthrodesis, laser, ultrasound, shockwave, IRAP, PRP, stem cell therapy, IA corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and a CEP to return to work. Prognosis will depend on the location and severity of the sprain. DJD or OA tends to develop with age as well as permanent lameness. Minis & ponies have a better prognosis. Ligament sprains are specifically caused by trauma that causes the joint or the distal extremity of the joint to be forced medially or laterally therefore spraining the medial collateral ligament or lateral collateral ligament. Ligament sprains are isolated to the stifle joint. A sprain of a cruciate ligament occurs when there is forced rotation of the joint or if the tibia is forced cranial or caudal relative to the femur. It is more common for the cranial cruciate ligament to be sprained. Predispositions for cruciate injuries include 3-day eventers, steeplechasers, racehorses, horses who make sharp turns on HQ especially when wearing heel grabs/corks.
Often a cruciate injury occurs in conjunction with a collateral & meniscal injury of the stifle.
And this is why it can be difficult to definitively diagnosis conditions of the stifle. A tibial spine avulsion fracture is possible. test where a vet moves the tibia forward and backwards relative to the femur to determine the degree of sprain. One specific diagnostic test used for cruciate ligaments is a Prognosis for complete rupture is grave, moderate to severe sprains have a poor prognosis and mild sprains have a fair prognosis with approximately 50% returning to athletic function.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ dysfunction) is defined as malarticulation of the temporomandibular joint.
TMJ dysfunction can be caused by acute trauma or by repeated trauma.
Trauma causes the collateral ligaments of the joint to be sprained resulting in malarticulation of the joint which causes irritation to the and the articular structures of the joint. The synovium is pinched, and the articular cartilage is exposed to increased friction and pressure. Synovitis occurs, signalling the onset of degenerative joint disease. In the chronic stage there is fibrosis of the joint capsule and the ligaments.
164
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software