Angular/Flexural Limb Deformities

Question 1

Are hind or forelimbs most often affected by angular limb deformities?

Answer 1

(Forelimbs)

Question 2

Of the sites where angular limb deformities occur (fetlock, tarsus, carpus), rank them from most to least common.

Answer 2

(Most common → carpus, fetlock, least common → tarsus)

Question 3

What are perinatal factors that can lead to congenital angular limb deformities?

Answer 3

(Intrauterine malpositioning, overnutrition of the mare, cuboidal bone hypoplasia, and incomplete development of MT/MC II and IV)

Question 4

What are the two ways that angular limb deformities can be acquired?

Answer 4

(Asynchronous longitudinal growth of the physis or traumatic luxation/fracture)

Question 5

(T/F) Mild carpal valgus is thought to be protective against carpal injuries and therefore even mild carpal varus is bad.

Answer 5

(T)

Question 6

For hoof extensions, would you use lateral or medial extensions to correct varus deformities?

Answer 6

(Lateral extension for varus, medial for valgus)

Question 7

Is periosteal transection and elevation performed on the side of the limb that is growing too slow or too fast?

Answer 7

(Too slow, goal of PTE is growth acceleration)

Question 8

If performing a PTE for treatment of a valgus deformity, will the PTE need to be performed medially or laterally?

Answer 8

(Lateral)

Question 9

What is the goal of transphyseal bridging?

Answer 9

(Slowing growth on the convex side of an angular limb deformity)

Question 10

If performing transphyseal bridging on a valgus deformity, will the TPB need to be performed medially or laterally?

Answer 10

(Medially)

Question 11

If you are dealing with a MCP or MTP angular deformity, treatment should occur before what age to ensure there is enough growth to correct the deformity?

Answer 11

(30 days)

Question 12

If you are dealing with a carpus or tarsus angular deformity, treatment should occur before what age to ensure there is enough growth to correct the deformity?

Answer 12

(4 months)

Question 13

What are two causes for acquired tendon/ligament laxity?

Answer 13

(Hoof overgrowth or bandaging/casting for long periods of time)

Question 14

What structure can be cut surgically to fix distal interphalangeal joint flexural deformities?

Answer 14

(Distal check ligament)

Question 15

What structure can be cut surgically to fix metacarpophalangeal joint flexural deformities?

Answer 15

(Proximal check ligament)

Question 16

Do you want a toe or heel extension for DIP flexural deformities?

Answer 16

(Toe extensions, and should trim the heel)