Abstract
Objective The aim of this article was to describe the surgical re-alignment technique and stabilization
of a distal femoral deformity in a 6-week-old, male, Foxhound.
Methods A healing metaphyseal fracture, resulting in a valgus deformity with internal rotation,
was observed just proximal to the distal femoral physis. The deformity was treated
by an opening wedge osteotomy with lateral translation and external rotation of the
distal epiphysis using a guide-wire technique; a corticocancellous allograft bridged
the defect, which was stabilized with a 2.0-mm locking Y-plate designed for human
phalangeal fractures.
Results Successful deformity correction was obtained with subsequent healing of the osteotomy
and maintained longitudinal bone growth. Sciatic neurapraxia developed as a result
of a migrating adjunct pin (9 days post-operatively), which was removed. At long-term
follow-up (4 years), a 12% shortening of the femur did result in addition to an asymptomatic
grade 2 medial patellar luxation (MPL). The cause of the MPL was not evident; the
owners declined treatment and the dog continued to function as an active hunting dog.
Clinical Significance Prior to ossification of the epiphyses in very young animals, which precludes effective
radiographic pre-planning, the guide-wire technique can be utilized as the primary
tool for performing angular deformity correction. Adequate fixation and stabilization
can be obtained with small human specialty locking plates.
Keywords
bone growth - fracture fixation - growth deformities and correction - locking plates
- paediatric orthopaedics
