Angular Limb Deformities Flashcards
Postural deformities in the frontal plane of the limbs with either lateral or medial deviation are also known as what?
Angular limb deformities
A lateral angular limb deformity is known as what?
Valgus
A medial angular limb deformity is known as what?
Varus
What is a different type of limb deformity that can sometimes be mistaken for valgus?
Outward rotation
What are 5 possible causes of angular limb deformity?
- Periarticular laxity
- Incomplete ossification carpal bones
- Hypothyroidism
- Limb confirmation
- Multifactural
What can be a predisposing factor for angular limb deformity development?
Twins
What are 3 ways of diagnosing angular limb deformities?
- Observation
- Limb manipulation
- Radiographs
How do you use limb manipulation to evaluate for joint laxity in the carpus?
Press medial surface of carpus out while holding lateral surface of fetlock in - if can be manipulated, indicates laxity in joint.
When taking a radiograph, where should the beam be centered?
Center beam where you think the laxity is located.
How do the bones in a foal’s carpus appear with incomplete ossification?
Round shaped bones
Where are 3 regions on the leg where angular limb deformities can be located?
- Carpus
- Tarsus
- Metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal
What are 2 common locations within the joint where angular limb deformities can stem from?
- Growth plate
- Joint space
What are 3 steps for geometric analysis for angular limb deformity?
- Cellulose acetate overlay
- Bisect long bone axis
- Deviation at each joint space
What are 4 steps for using cellulose acetate overlay?
- Take radiograph
- Trace bone outlines from radiograph
- Bisect long bone axis or places lines through joint space
- Measure angle
What does a deviation in the traced outlines indicate?
Deviation indicates the pivot point
What are 3 examples of conservative treatment for angular limb deformities?
- Stall rest
- Hoof trimming
- External support
What are 2 examples of external support that can be used as conservative treatment for angular limb deformities?
- Splint
- Cast
What are 3 examples of surgical treatment for angular limb deformities?
- Hemicircumferential periostal transection and elevation (periosteal stripping)
- Growth retardation
- Corrective osteotomy/-ectomy
What is a type of shoe that can be used to treat angular limb deformities?
Dalmer shoes
How often should a splint be checked and changed?
Every 3-4 days
What does HCPTE stand for?
Hemicircumferential periostal transection and elevation
What is another name for HCPTE?
Periosteal stripping
Surgical screws and wire can be used to prevent bone from doing what?
Lengthening on the side where the wires and screws are placed.
After surgical screws and wires have been placed, when should they be re-evaluated by radiograph?
2 weeks later
What is a surgical tool that can be used to bridge the growth plate?
Surgical staples
Surgical staples should’t be left in longer than what time frame?
4-6 weeks
What are 2 types of ostectomy/osteotomy procedures that can be used in the treatment of angular limb deformity?
- Closing wedge ostectomy
- Step ostectomy
What are 2 types of step ostectomies?
- Sagital plane
- Frontal plane
If trauma damages cells responsible for bone growth, what can this lead to?
Leads to oblique formation of a joint.
How is the size of the wedge used for a closing wedge ostectomy determined?
Determined by degree of deviation at pivot point.
