Objectives The aim of this study was to describe a case of biapical tibial deformity as a result of premature distal physeal closure corrected by true spherical osteotomy, circular external skeletal fixation and distraction osteogenesis. Methods A 6-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented for the evaluation and treatment of angular limb deformity of the left pelvic limb, with radiography and computed tomography revealing a multiplanar, biapical, compensatory tibial growth deformity, with marked distal tibial recurvatum and varus. A true spherical osteotomy was performed at the distal tibial centre of rotation of angulation (CORA), allowing for correction of the deformity in three planes, with a transverse osteotomy performed at the most proximal CORA. A circular external skeletal fixator was applied and distraction osteogenesis performed at the transverse osteotomy. Latency, distraction osteogenesis, and consolidation were performed over a 113-day period. Results At frame removal, tibial length discrepancy improved from 16.8% to 0.6% and frontal plane varus angulation improvement from 20° to 5°, when compared with the contralateral limb. Long-term evaluation revealed a satisfactory clinical and cosmetic outcome, judged by the clinician and owners, with force plate analysed symmetry index of the pelvic limb within reported normal limits. Clinical significance To our knowledge this is the first case report illustrating the value of true spherical osteotomy for the treatment of an angular limb deformity when performed in combination with distraction osteogenesis in a canine pelvic limb.

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe a case of an intra-articular olecranon fracture in a lamb repaired using a String of Pearls locking plate system, intramedullary pin and lag screws. Materials and Methods A 6-month-old, 20 kg, purebred male Merino lamb was referred for evaluation of a non-weight bearing lameness of the left thoracic limb of unknown duration. Orthogonal radiographic assessment of the left elbow revealed a complete, closed, long sagittal oblique, minimally displaced fracture of the olecranon involving the ulnar shaft at the level of the radial physis, extending proximally through the distal semilunar notch to the mid-body of the olecranon. The fracture was repaired using a String of Pearls locking plate system spanning both the proximal radius and olecranon, an intramedullary pin in the ulna and lag screws across the fracture line. Results Orthogonal radiographic assessment of the left elbow at 8 weeks postoperatively revealed implant quiescence with radiographic union of the fracture site. Long-term telephone follow-up at 3 and 6 months postoperatively found the patient was no longer restricted in activity, with free access to the field, and was not displaying an overt lameness. Clinical Significance The authors describe a novel method to treat an intra-articular in a lamb olecranon fracture in a lamb using a String of Pearls locking plate system, intramedullary pin and lag screws.

The aim of this study was to describe a case of a Salter-Harris type II fracture of the humeral head in a goat repaired with Kirshner wire fixation. A 3-year-old, 52 kg, male, non-domesticated goat was referred for evaluation. Approximately 11 days prior, the goat sustained suspected vehicular trauma, and was found on the side of the road with a non-weight bearing lameness of the right thoracic limb. Orthogonal radiographic assessment identified a Salter-Harris type II fracture of the humeral head with proximolateral displacement of the humerus. The fracture was repaired with multiple Kirschner wire fixation. Orthogonal radiographic assessment of the right humerus at 8 weeks postoperatively revealed implant quiescence with radiographic union of the fracture site. Long-term telephone follow-up at 3 and 6 months postoperatively found the patient was no longer restricted in activity, with free access to the field, and was not displaying an overt lameness. The authors describe a novel fracture configuration in the goat successfully repaired with multiple Kirschner wire fixation.