Angular limb deformity in a calf treated by periosteotomy and wedge osteotomy

Closing wedge ostectomy with transfixation pin-cast stabilization for correction of angular limb deformities of the metatarsophalangeal region in four cattle

CASE DESCRIPTION

4 calves were evaluated because of lameness and an angular limb deformity of the metatarsophalangeal region.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

3 calves (ages, 5 days, 10 days, and 1 month) had a congenital varus deformity of the metatarsophalangeal region characterized by medial subluxation of the first phalanx of digits 3 and 4 at the metatarsophalangeal joints. A 6-month-old heifer had a valgus deformity of the metatarsophalangeal region secondary to a malunion of a Salter-Harris type II fracture. The degree of deformity angulation ranged from 16° to 54° for the 4 patients.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

A closing wedge ostectomy with transfixation pin-cast application was performed on the affected limb of all 4 patients. The ostectomy healed with only minor complications (disuse osteopenia distal to the transfixation pins [n = 4] and cast sores [1]) that were easily resolved with no long-term adverse effects. Duration of follow-up for the 4 patients ranged from 6 to 17 months, and the owners reported satisfactory ambulation with no (n = 2) or only mild (2) residual lameness in the affected limb.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested that a closing wedge ostectomy with transfixation pin-cast stabilization is an alternative for management of angular limb deformities of the metatarsophalangeal region in cattle. Such treatment improved the quality of life for all 4 patients. However, 2 of the 4 patients had congenital deformities confirmed to be heritable. There are ethical concerns associated with treating animals with heritable disorders, and exhibition and breeding of such animals should be avoided.

Surgical correction of angular and torsional metatarsal deformity with cylindrical osteotomy and locking compression plates in a calf

OBJECTIVE

To report successful surgical correction of concurrent angular and torsional metatarsal deformities in a calf using a cylindrical osteotomy and locking compression plate (LCP) technology.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMALS

A 10-week-old composite bull calf.

METHODS

Using Paley's principles of angular limb deformity correction, a cylindrical osteotomy was performed to concurrently correct varus deformity and external torsion of the metatarsus. The limb was aligned and stabilized using two 3.5 mm broad LCP with locking head screws.

RESULTS

The calf was immediately weight bearing after surgery and did not experience any postoperative complications. Follow-up radiographs 5 months postoperatively revealed complete osteotomy healing and remodeling. The limb was in good alignment, the calf was fully weight bearing, and client satisfaction was very high. Telephone follow-up with the owner 16 months after surgery revealed continued full use of the operated limb and the bull was being used in a pasture breeding program.

CONCLUSIONS

Cylindrical osteotomy with LCP stabilization can provide a favorable outcome in angular and torsional metatarsal deformity correction in cattle.