Fractures of the hock and tibia. An outside splint bent to follow the contour of the leg from the hip to the ground is used over a full limb Robert-Jones. Fractures of the femur. Like fractures of the upper forelimb fractures of the femur do not require immobilization. Their muscle coverage provides adequate protection.
Transportation is another important step in assuring safe arrival at the referral center.
Partitions, chest and rump bars should be used to provide minimal space so the horse can lean on these supports to maintain its balance. If the trailer allows it, a horse with a fractured forelimb should be transported facing backward and a horse with a rear limb fracture facing forward. This will assure that the horse s weight is put onto the two sound legs when the trailer slows. These procedures will not guarantee a successful outcome but it will prevent a potentially treatable fracture from becoming hopeless.