Physeal growth retardation leads to correction of intracarpal angular deviations as well as physeal valgus deformity

Retrospective analysis of the radiographs of horses with carpal valgus, presented to the Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1987-1996, were used to compare 2 methods of geometric analysis for finding the total angle of deviation. The pivot point angle method and the individual joint angle method were found to be comparable for determining the total angle of deviation. The individual joint angle method was used to analyse individual carpal joint angles and physis angle in joints with carpal valgus, as well as the changes that occurred in response to surgical correction. Multiple joint involvement was common with carpal valgus; and surgical manipulation caused a change in angle at all joints. Use of the individual joint angle method for evaluating carpal valgus may aid the surgeon in making a more accurate prognosis.