Pes varus correction in Dachshunds using a hybrid external fixator

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Canine Surgical Procedures
• Limb Deformity Correction

Background:

• Pes varus is a challenging angular limb deformity in immature Dachshunds.
• Surgical correction aims to restore normal limb alignment and function.
• Accurate pre-operative planning and intra-operative assessment are crucial for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the surgical technique for correcting pes varus deformity in Dachshunds.
• To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of acute medial opening wedge osteotomy stabilized with a hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF).
• To identify areas for technique improvement in pes varus correction.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, retrospective clinical study involving 13 immature Dachshunds with pes varus deformity.
• Surgical correction involved acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia stabilized with HESF.
• Limb function, lameness scores, and radiographic measurements (tibiotarsal joint orientation) were assessed pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Pes varus deformities were corrected in 14 limbs, with 93% achieving good to excellent clinical outcomes.
• Mean angular correction was 36 degrees, reducing preoperative varus to a postoperative valgus of 7 degrees.
• Despite good clinical results, 91% of tibiae were under- or overcorrected, indicating a need for improved precision.

Conclusions:

• Acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia stabilized by HESF is a viable technique for correcting pes varus in Dachshunds.
• Intraoperative visual assessment alone is insufficient for precise angular correction.
• Postoperative radiographic evaluation of tibiotarsal joint orientation is essential for assessing correction accuracy and guiding technique modifications.