Malunions

The decision to attempt surgical correction of a malunion must be based on a careful preoperative assessment of the patient. The animal's gait must be observed. An animal that is not clinically affected by the malunion usually is not a candidate for surgery. Joint function and the condition of the bone, cartilage, and soft tissues must be noted. If the joints and soft tissues are irreversibly altered, surgical correction should not be performed. Accurate planning of any corrective osteotomy requires careful evaluation of the bony deformities that are present. Angular and rotational deformities may be present. Shortening of the limb also may be observed. Integration of these findings enables the surgeon to select the osteotomy technique best suited for a patient. External fixators or bone plates are most commonly used to stabilize the corrective osteotomy. When contemplating surgical correction of a malunion, critical preoperative assessment and planning are essential to achieving the desired goals. These goals are achieving normal limb function and preventing further damage to the joints of the limb.