Growth deformities

Outcomes of 11 dogs with short radius syndrome treated with acute arthroscopically assisted ulnar shortening

OBJECTIVE

To describe the short-term outcome of acute arthroscopically assisted ulnar shortening (AUS), to treat short radius syndrome in dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

ANIMALS

Eleven client owned dogs.

METHODS

Records of dogs that had undergone AUS for treatment of short radius syndrome were reviewed for inclusion. Reporting data included among others pre- and postoperative radioulnar, humeroradial and humeroulnar distances, lameness scores, surgical times, complications and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Following AUS, radiohumeral articulation was improved in all dogs. Median presurgery radioulnar, humeroradial and humeroulnar values were 4.5, 3.2, and 2.2 mm and were improved with surgery by a median of 3.2, 1.8, and 1.2 mm, respectively. Median surgery time was 140 min. Median time to bone healing was 8 weeks (range: 4-14). Median time to last follow-up was 9 weeks (4-468). Median lameness score (scale 0-4) improved from 2 to 1. No major complications were reported. Short-term clinical outcome was graded by the surgeons as full function in four cases and acceptable function in seven.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Radiographic and arthroscopic radiohumeral articulation were improved and short-term clinical improvement was documented following AUS in all 11 dogs.

Principles of Uniapical and Biapical Radial Deformity Correction Using Dome Osteotomies and the Center of Rotation of Angulation Methodology in Dogs

OBJECTIVE

To describe the normal anatomic axis of the canine radius in 2 planes (frontal, sagittal), and report the use and efficacy of dome osteotomies for acute correction of canine antebrachial deformities.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Normal antebrachii (n = 20) radiographs were used as a reference, and 7 dogs with 9 radial angular limb deformities that were corrected by use of dome osteotomies.

METHODS

Orthogonal radiographs of 20 normal antebrachii were used to determine normal ranges of frontal (FPA) and sagittal plane anatomic axes (SPA). Pre and postoperative radiographs of 7 dogs (9 radii) that had surgical correction of radial angular limb deformities by dome osteotomies were reviewed. Success at deformity correction into established normal ranges and to the normal contralateral side, if present, was determined.

RESULTS

Normal ranges were FPA, 0-8 degrees and SPA, 8-35 degrees . There were 4 biapical and 5 uniapical deformities. FPA and SPA were corrected into normal range in 66% and 78% of affected limbs, respectively; however, only 44% of radii were corrected into normal ranges in both planes.

CONCLUSIONS

Ranges for normal canine radial axes can be used as goals for angular limb correction when there is bilateral angular deformity. The dome osteotomy technique is advantageous in certain conditions for biplanar deformity correction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Dome osteotomies can be used to correct radial deformities in the frontal and sagittal planes, with certain advantages, but are heavily reliant on appropriate preoperative planning.

T-plate fixation of distal radial closing wedge osteotomies for treatment of angular limb deformities in 18 dogs

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical technique and clinical results of treatment for forelimb angular limb deformities, secondary to premature distal radial or ulnar physeal closure, by using T-plate fixation of a distal radial closing wedge osteotomy in 18 dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

18 client-owned dogs.

METHODS

The medical records of 18 dogs that underwent a distal radial closing wedge osteotomy with T-plate fixation for correction of a forelimb angular limb deformity were reviewed. Small pins (Kirschner wires) were used to obtain the appropriate alignment of the antebrachiocarpal and elbow joints and proper limb orientation. In-hospital follow-up evaluation was obtained at the time fracture healing was observed radiographically. Further long-term follow-up was obtained by owner interview.

RESULTS

Osteotomy sites were radiographically healed within 4 to 12 weeks (mean, 8 weeks) after surgery in the 14 dogs that returned for in-hospital follow-up. Limb function was graded as good or excellent in all dogs. Long-term follow-up by owner interview rated limb function and cosmetic appearance as good to excellent in all dogs. Plate removal was necessary in one dog 7 months after surgery because of osteopenia in the radius.

CONCLUSION

This surgical technique was considered successful in the treatment of angular limb deformities in all dogs. A good to excellent prognosis is to be expected with this technique, with minimal complications.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of a T-plate for the correction of angular limb deformities has not been previously described in the literature. This technique permits accurate correction of the angular limb deformity and minimizes postoperative complications.

Corrective osteotomy for bilateral forelimb varus deformities in a working dog

Bilateral varus antebrachial deformity in a 7-month-old working dog was surgically corrected. The deformity was a sequela to premature closure of the distal radial physes after trauma to the forelimbs. Treatment was by ulnectomy and oblique radial osteotomy. Stabilisation of the fractures was maintained by an external fixation device. The treatment was successful and the dog returned to work as a sheep dog.

Treatment of Forelimb Growth Plate Deformity in 11 Dogs by Radial Dome Osteotomy and External Coaptation

Radial dome osteotomy and external coaptation were used to correct forelimb growth deformities with carpal valgus angles of 15 to 43 degrees in 11 dogs (12 forelimbs). Osteotomy sites were clinically healed by week 4. Appearance and function in 10 limbs was good to excellent. The angular deformity recurred in one dog by week 4 due to partial closure of the distal radial growth plate. Carpal valgus recurred in one dog by week 2 because the ulnar osteotomy healed before radial growth ceased.