Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis for Correction of a Femoral Valgus Deformity Secondary to Lateral Patellar Luxation in a Dog

Case Reports: In human and equine orthopaedics, temporary hemiepiphysiodesis is used as an interventional method to correct angular limb deformities in skeletally immature patients as an alternative to corrective osteotomy surgery in skeletally mature patients. This report describes the use of hemiepiphysiodesis in a dog to correct a femoral valgus deformity. A 5-month-old female intact Standard Poodle presented for the evaluation of right hindlimb lameness. Examination revealed a right grade III/IV lateral patellar luxation. Pre-operative radiographs demonstrated lateral patellar luxation (LPL) with a right anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) of 87.1 degrees as compared with an aLDFA of 90.8 degrees in the normal left femur. The LPL was surgically corrected with a medial retinacular imbrication and lateral retinacular release. At the time of patellar luxation repair, temporary medial distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis was performed using a transphyseal bridge consisting of two, 2.7 mm cortical bone screws and orthopaedic wire. Follow-up of right femur radiographs were performed until a right aLDFA of 95.0 degrees was achieved 3 weeks post-operatively, at which time the patient was re-anesthetized and the transphyseal bridge was removed. Follow-up femur radiographs were obtained 6 months later when the patient was 11 months of age and skeletally mature. Right aLDFA was 95.6 degrees, left aLDFA was 93.2 degrees, and femoral length was similar between the sides at 164.2 mm (right) and 164.3 mm (left). Based on the outcome in this single dog, temporary hemiepiphysiodesis may be considered as an option for altering bone growth to correct mild angular malalignment of the femur.

Proprietary/Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
26. Oktober 2022