SPLINT BONE Meaning and
Definition
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A splint bone refers to a small, slender, and bony structure found in the legs of certain mammals, including horses. It typically occurs as an accessory bone that runs parallel to the cannon bone or metacarpal/metatarsal bones. Despite being rudimentary and non-weight bearing, splint bones play a notable role in providing additional support and stability to the limb.
In horses, the splint bones are specifically located on each side of the cannon bone, behind and slightly towards the back of the leg. They are connected to the cannon bone by a series of ligaments and are also joined to each other by an interosseous ligament. Although they are present at birth, splint bones gradually fuse with the cannon bone as the horse matures.
Splint bones, even though they are considered vestigial remnants, can sometimes be subject to injury or mishap. Trauma, overexertion, or stress can lead to inflammation, sprains, or fractures in the splint bones. Such conditions are commonly referred to as splint or bucked shins, and they can cause lameness and discomfort in the affected horse.
Veterinary care may involve interventions like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, or surgery to address any issues related to splint bones. Understanding the structure and function of the splint bone is essential in diagnosing and providing appropriate treatment for equine limb conditions.
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1. Fibula. 2. The second or fourth, or internal or external small metacarpal bones in the horse; these are splinter-like in shape and lie on either side of the metacarpal, or cannon bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPLINT BONE
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Etymology of SPLINT BONE
The word "splint" in "splint bone" comes from the Old English word "splint", meaning a thin strip of wood or metal used for support or reinforcement. The "bone" part refers to the fact that the splint bone is a bony structure.
In equine anatomy, a splint bone refers to two small, slender bones located on either side of the cannon bone (the long bone in the lower leg of a horse between the knee and the fetlock joint). These bones are essentially remnants of the second and fourth toes of the ancestral equine species. They no longer serve a functional purpose in modern horses, but they can sometimes cause problems if they become injured, fractured, or irritated.
Similar spelling words for SPLINT BONE
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