Summary
A five-week-old American Quarter Horse colt was presented for evaluation of a left
hindlimb deformity and lameness. Radiographs of the left hindlimb revealed a varus
deformity with recurvatum originating in the middiaphysis of the third metatarsal
bone. Surgical correction was undertaken by performing an osteotomy through the centre
of rotation of angulation located within the mid-diaphysis of the third metatarsal
bone, and a fourring hinged circular external fixator construct was applied. Distraction
of the osteotomy site was performed over an 11 day period. Notable complications included
failure of a fixation pin, infection of the surgical site, and temporary laxity of
the supporting tendons and ligaments of the contralateral metatarsophalangeal joint.
The fixator was maintained until there was sufficient bone formation to allow frame
removal, 152 days after the initial surgery. Use of a hinged circular construct allowed
for partial correction of the deformity with resultant lengthening and resolution
of the lameness in this colt.
Keywords
Distraction osteogenesis - horse - external - fixator - congenital metatarsal deformity