Angular Limb Deformities

Closing wedge ostectomy and medial distal tibia plate application for treatment of severe bilateral angular limb deformities in the hindlimbs of an 8‐month‐old foal

“…In our case, the severity and chronicity of the bone changes, visible in the initial radiographs, did not aid in determining the exact pathogenesis of the deformities. However, we assumed that fast growth and bodyweight contributed to the development of physitis, which in turn triggered chronic, pathological physeal fractures and subsequent severe ALD (Firth 1990;Bramlage 1993;Jackson et al 2011;Bischofberger and Auer 2019).…”

“…Hyperextension was not noted by the primary care veterinarian before the casts were applied. Bischofberger and Auer (2019) emphasised that casts or splints that include the foot can weaken the flexor and extensor structures and subsequently lead to hyperextension of the fetlocks in foals. Although hyperextension is usually a temporary problem, it can result in a variety of orthopaedic disorders including tendinopathies of the flexural structures (K€ ummerle et al 2019) if spontaneous resolution does not occur.…”

“…Indications for surgical treatment include severe deformities or deformities that are likely to resolve very slowly or incompletely (Bramlage and Auer 2006). Growth acceleration and growth retardation are surgical techniques that are less invasive but require active growth within the bone (Bischofberger and Auer 2019). Radiographic closure of the distal Mc/MtIII physis occurs at approximately 6 months of age in foals (Butler et al 2017a,b).…”

“…Radiographic closure of the distal Mc/MtIII physis occurs at approximately 6 months of age in foals (Butler et al 2017a,b). Thus, in foals older than 3 months with severe deformities (Bischofberger and Auer 2019) or in foals with closure of the growth plates, a more invasive wedge osteotomy is an appropriate treatment option for ALD (Fretz and McIlwraith 1983;Shamis and Auer 1985).…”

Single‐cut osteotomy for correction of a complex multiplanar deformity of the radius in a Shetland pony foal

“…Genetic or perinatal factors, including aberrant or incomplete ossification and periarticular laxity, and developmental factors like dietary imbalance, overload, or trauma, may play a role in long-bone misalignment progression. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Acquired causes, such as infection or fracture malunion, can also be involved. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] In small horse breeds, severe limb deformities are often associated with the complete ossification of the ulna or fibula (skeletal atavism).…”