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Ulnocarpal arthrodesis and limb lengthening for the management of radial agenesis in a dog
Author(s) -
McKee W. M,
Reynolds J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2007.00334.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ulna , surgery , elbow , arthrodesis , forearm , upper limb , radial nerve , radiography , agenesis , hypoplasia , external fixator , pathology , alternative medicine
Radial agenesis was diagnosed in a nine‐week‐old boxer. An ulnocarpal arthrodesis was performed when six months of age to improve limb alignment and enable weight bearing. When the dog was 10 months old, a hinged circular fixator was applied to the limb to gradually lengthen the ulna and correct angular and rotational deformity. The fixator was removed at 16 months of age. At this time, there was 1·7 cm (6 per cent) shortening of the affected antebrachium‐metacarpus and 2·6 cm (15 per cent) compensatory overgrowth of the humerus compared with the contralateral limb. Inability to extend the digits was a complication that improved with physiotherapy. Follow‐up at 23 months of age showed good limb use when walking and running. Radiographs of the elbow showed periarticular osteophytes and subcoronoid sclerosis of the ulna.