Ostectomy for Congenital Flexural Deformity of the Metacarpophalangeal Joints in a Llama

Summary

A newborn llama was referred to our clinic with congenital flexural deformities of both metacarpophalangeal joints. An ostectomy of MCIII-IV was performed bilaterally; reconstruction was done using a dynamic compression plate on the dorsal aspect of the metacarpal bone. Postoperatively a cast was placed up to the carpal region, to provide external immobilisation. A luxation of both fetlock joints was present after the operation and resulted in radiographic arthritic changes. Despite this complication an acceptable degree of healing, without clinical signs of lameness, was achieved.

A newborn llama with congenital flexural deformities of both metacarpophalangeal joints was successfully treated by bilateral ostectomy of MC III-IV.

Keywords

Llama - congenital flexural deformity - ostectomy - orthopaedics

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