SA and Equine Limb Deformities

Question 1

What are the three main aetiologies of premature growth plate closure?

Answer 1

Trauma
Hereditary
Diseases

Question 2

List the two main clinical signs of premature growth plate closure

Answer 2

Angular limb deformity
Lamness

Question 3

What are the 5 main surgical principles in growth plate closure?

Answer 3

Restore joint congruency
Restor paw to a functional position
Correct rotational deformity
Correct angular deformity
Restore limb length

Question 4

Define osteotomy and ostectomy

Answer 4

Osteotomy - cut bone
Ostectomy - remove piece of bone

Question 5

Describe the pathogenesis of premature closure of distal ulna physis

Answer 5

Conical shape, prone to closure

Question 6

What is the main clinical signs of premature closure of the distal ulna physis?

Answer 6

‘Radius curvus’

Question 7

At what age does residual growth potential of growth plates end and so what surgical options does this allow us to have for premature closure of the distal ulna physis?

Answer 7

<5 months - growth potential
Partial ulna ostectomy + staple medial radius
Partial ulna ostectomy/osteotomy alone

Question 8

Which surgery is required in a skeletally mature dog for premature closure of the distal ulna physis?

Answer 8

Partial ulna ostectomy and corrective osteotomy of the radius
Stabilise with ESF or plate and screws

Question 9

What percentage of foals show angular limb deformities?

Answer 9

62%

Question 10

How can you use remedial farriery to correct carpal valgus and varus?

Answer 10

Medial extensions for valgus
Lateral extensions for varus

Question 11

In what two situations can you use splinting to correct angular limb deformities in horses?

Answer 11

Cubiodal bone hypoplasia
Ligamentous laxity

Question 12

List three indications for surgery to correct angular limb deformities in horses

Answer 12

Fail to respond to conservative measures
Severe
Presented late

Question 13

When should you aim to perform corrective surgery in the horse for the angular limb deformities in the carpus and fetlock?

Answer 13

Carpus <10 weeks
Fetlock <4 weeks

Question 14

What are the three surgical options for angular limb deformities in horses? State which is the treatment of choice

Answer 14

Tranphyseal lag screw - treatment of choice
Transphyseal bridging
Periosteal strip

Question 15

How can you treat digital hyperextension in foals?

Answer 15

Moderate exercise on a soft surface

Question 16

Which drug can be give with flexural deformities in foals and what cells does it act on?

Answer 16

Oxytetracycline
Direct action on myofibroblasts

Question 17

Which surgery is performed in flexural limb deformities in the distal interphalangeal joint of the foal?

Answer 17

Inferior check ligament desmotomy

Question 18

Which surgery is performed in flexural limb deformities in the metacarpal-phalangeal joint of the foal?

Answer 18

Inferior check ligament desmotomy +/- superior check ligament desmotomy