What is valgus?
lateral postural deformity
What is varus?
medial postural deformity
What are the possible causes of angular limb deformities?
- periarticular laxity
- incomplete ossification of carpal bones
- hypothyroidism
- overloading
- physeal trauma or infection
- twins
What regions commonly have angular limb deformities?
- carpus
- ## tarsusmetacarpo/metatarsophalangeal
What are the conservative treatments for angular limb deformities?
- stall rest
- hoof trimming
- external support (splint, cast, Dalmar shoes)
What are the surgical treatments for angular limb deformities?
- hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation
- growth retardation
- corrective osteotomy/ectomy
Describe hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation
- growth acceleration
- cut periosteum along bone, allowing bone to lengthen
Describe growth retardation
- temporary transphyseal bridging
- place screws proximal and distal to growth plate, and wrap cerclage wire in figure 8 pattern
- remove once corrected
What is a flexural deformity?
- hyperflexion of a limb
- results from disparity in length of the musculotendinous structures relative to bone length
What are the clinical signs of digital hyperextension?
- toe elevated from the ground
- sinking fetlock
What are the clinical signs of “club-foot”?
- “boxy” appearance
- growth at heels
- break in hood pastern angle
- weight bearing on toe
What is club foot?
flexural deformity at distal interphalangeal joint
What are the treatment options for club foot?
- controlled exercise, nutrition, trim heel, toe extension
- inferior check ligament desmotomy
Which joints are more commonly affected by acquired flexor tendon laxity?
- metacarpophalangeal (fetlock)
- distal interphalangeal (coffin)
What is the treatment for acquired flexor tendon laxity?
superior check ligament desmotomy
What is a “sand crack”?
- damage to the periople (vertical fissure)
Where does a “sand crack” most commonly occur?
lateral front claw
What is a corn?
fibrous mass between digits
