Assessment of overall thoracic limb axial alignment in dogs with antebrachial deformity

Abstract

Objective To assess overall thoracic limb axial alignment in dogs with and without angular limb deformity (ALD). Study design Ex vivo and retrospective observational clinical study. Animals Forty canine thoracic limbs from bilateral normal specimens (10 pairs) and unilateral antebrachial ALD (10 uniapical and 10 biapical deformities). Methods Computed tomography images of the entire thoracic limb were collected for multiplanar reconstruction. Baseline limb axis was defined by the humeral anatomic axis. Axial alignment of the distal humerus, proximal and distal radius, and metacarpal bones were obtained and compared among levels and groups. Results The mean overall thoracic limb rotation of normal dogs was 35.4 ° (95% CI, 27.2 °, 43.6 °). Mean overall limb rotation in uniapical and biapical deformity was 41.6 ° (95% CI, 33.0 °, 50.1 °) and 54.4 ° (95% CI, 45.8 °, 62.9 °), respectively, but was not statistically different (P = .096). Only overall limb rotation in limbs with biapical ALD was different from normal limbs (P = .008). Rotation at the level of the elbow was 77% and 85% of overall limb rotation in normal and deformity limbs, respectively, and was increased from normal in limbs with ALD (both P < .05). Radial torsion did not differ among groups but was moderately correlated with overall limb rotation. Conclusion Rotation arising in the elbow of limbs with ALD was higher than in normal limbs and accounted for the greatest contribution of overall limb rotation. Clinical significance Assessment of radial torsion alone is insufficient to understand overall limb axial alignment in dogs with antebrachial bone deformity.

Use of a Customized Device for Correction of Antebrachial Angular Deformity in a Dog

“…It not only validated the accuracy of the simulated surgery but also exhibited other issues that were not detected in the simulated surgery. Issues raised included the compatibility between the guide and the bone and the compatibility between the surgeon's tools and the device [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

“…However, the use of a CT has allowed 3-D images to be obtained that provide advanced information about the patient, especially complex geometries. In addition, CT has demonstrated advantages in the diagnosis of angular deformities [6][7][8][9]. One of the main challenges for a surgeon doing this type of operation is executing the surgical plan as accurately as possible [1,2].…”

Transarticular elastic external skeletal fixator correction of a stifle rotational deformity and patellar luxation in a dog

“…Anatomic and mechanical axes and joint reference lines were drawn by using center of rotation and angulation methodology. Entire limb alignment was assessed similarly to the approach by Cooley et al 11 in the canine forelimb by using 3D MPR at multiple levels of the pelvic limbs. Rotation across the stifle joint was determined by comparing the caudal distal femoral plane to the caudal proximal tibial plane 9 (Figure 4).…”

Thoracic Limb Angular Deformity in Chondrodystrophic Dogs: Repeatability of Goniometric Measurement of External Rotation and Carpal Valgus

“…[1][2][3][4] Characteristically, this deformity presents as complex multiplanar conformational abnormalities in the structure of the thoracic limb such as carpal valgus, radial torsion, procurvatum and subluxation, elbow incongruity and external rotation of the limb arising at least from the elbow joint and radius. 1,[3][4][5][6][7] In affected individuals, several abnormalities can be present simultaneously. [1][2][3][4]6,7 As a consequence, the deformity can result in secondary pathologies such as elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis, causing welfare problems such as pain and lameness.…”

“…1,[3][4][5][6][7] In affected individuals, several abnormalities can be present simultaneously. [1][2][3][4]6,7 As a consequence, the deformity can result in secondary pathologies such as elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis, causing welfare problems such as pain and lameness. 4,5,8 It can also affect limb biomechanics, causing changes in function such as gait and range of motion of the joints.…”