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Femoral Angular Correction and Lengthening in a Large‐Breed Puppy Using a Dynamic Unilateral External Fixator
Author(s) -
Petazzoni Massimo,
Palmer Ross H.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2011.00944.x
Subject(s) - puppy , medicine , valgus , ostectomy , osteotomy , surgery , femoral neck , femur , lameness , ecology , osteoporosis , biology
Objective To report treatment of a large‐breed puppy with combined distal femoral valgus and length deficit caused by partial distal physeal closure. Study Design Clinical report. Animals B ernese Mountain Dog (4.5‐month‐old male). Methods The puppy was admitted for evaluation of a progressive severe left pelvic limb lameness (grade 3/4) of 6‐week duration. Distal femoral valgus and severe length deficit deformity were treated by acute angular correction using a closing wedge ostectomy and progressive rapid‐rate callus distraction using a dynamic, telescoping unilateral External Skeletal Fixator ( ESF ) designed for people. After acute angular correction and a 3‐day latency period, a mean linear distraction rate of 3 mm/day was maintained for 3 weeks. The dynamic ESF ( dESF ) was removed at 4 weeks, after a 1‐week consolidation phase. Results The dESF was stable and functional during distraction and bone healing. Distal femoral valgus conformation improved 50° (from 41° to 91°) and femoral length increased 42 mm at dESF removal (from 158 mm to 200 mm; 27%). After cessation of bone growth, no valgus and minimal (6%) length deficit were detected. At 4, 5, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, the dog was walking, trotting, and galloping normally. Conclusion Acute angular correction and progressive rapid‐rate callus distraction using a unilateral dESF allowed satisfactory treatment of combined distal femoral valgus and length deficit in a large‐breed puppy.