Malunions

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Animal Biomechanics

Background:

• Malunions in animals can impair limb function and lead to secondary joint damage.
• Surgical correction is considered when animals are clinically affected and tissues are viable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the critical preoperative assessment and planning required for successful surgical correction of animal limb malunions.
• To emphasize the goals of restoring normal limb function and preventing further joint pathology.

Main Methods:

• Observing animal gait and assessing clinical signs of malunion.
• Evaluating joint function, bone, cartilage, and soft tissue condition.
• Identifying and measuring angular, rotational, and shortening deformities for osteotomy planning.

Main Results:

• Preoperative assessment guides the decision for surgical intervention.
• Irreversible joint or soft tissue damage contraindicates surgery.
• Accurate deformity assessment is crucial for selecting the appropriate osteotomy technique.

Conclusions:

• Meticulous preoperative assessment and planning are paramount for successful surgical correction of malunions.
• The primary goals are to achieve normal limb function and preserve joint health.
• External fixators or bone plates are commonly used for stabilization post-osteotomy.