Mitrakos D. DVM PGCertSAS MRCVS, RCVS advanced practitioner small animal surgery, WEST MIDLANDS REFERRALS, UK | Oxley B. MA VETMB DSAS (ORTHO), VET3D founder, UK
Introduction
Surgical correction of antebrachial correction has progressed dramatically the last years. Accurate characterization of the deformity and precise correction are required for optimal outcome. The aim of this report is to describe the successful management of antebrachial deformity correction and concurrent pancarpal arthrodesis in a toy-breed dog.
Clinical case
A 4yr old male neutered Yorkshire terrier presented with marked right forelimb valgus, carpal pain and plantigrade stance following complications from a forelimb fracture 3years ago. X-rays and CT were performed that confirmed a distal antebrachial deformity with no torsion and no humeroradial subluxation; stress view radiographs confirmed medial carpal instability. 3d printed guides were made to address the antebrachial deformity and the carpal instability at the same time. The dog underwent a combined simultaneous correction and arthrodesis with a custom 3d printed stainless steel plate.
Results
The patient was hospitalized overnight and was discharged the following day. Post-op follow-up at 1,2,4,6 and 8 weeks showed no implant related problem, good return to function, progression of osteotomy healing and was pain free.
Conclusion
As this technology is adopted by more small animal surgeons, we should aspire to refine these preoperative planning techniques, guide design, and application. Further studies should be planned to compare the use of patient-specific guides with more traditional approaches to limb deformity correction.
