34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Introduction
Antebrachial growth deformities (ABGD) are the most common limb malformation in dogs with 63% caused by premature closure of the distal ulnar physis. This results in excessive radial procurvatum, distal radial torsion and valgus causing secondary antebrachiocarpal and elbow joint incongruities. Despite correction of the ABGD, persistent incongruity of the antebrachiocarpal and elbow joints can affect the functional outcome.

Objective
To report a case series where CAD-based planning, 3D-printed osteotomy and reduction guide systems and 3D-printed custom plates were used for the simultaneous correction of ABGD and pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) in dogs with moderate to severe antebrachiocarpal joint laxity.  

Materials and Methods
Five dogs with ABGD that underwent combined ABGD correction and PCA were reviewed retrospectively. Complications, short and long-term outcome were reported.

Results
Five skeletally mature dogs (median age: 66.1 months (range 17-108 months), body weight: 7.45kg (range 3-10kg)) were included. Two dogs underwent bilateral staged procedures. Complications occurred in 3/7 limbs (two minor, one major). Two wound dehiscences were managed conservatively. The major complication was observed in a dog with staged bilateral correction. A radial fracture occurred proximal to the plate on the second operated limb. Surgical repair failed and subsequently amputation was advised. No other complications were reported. A satisfactory outcome was achieved in all other cases.

Conclusion
Combined ABGD correction and PCA using 3D-printed cutting guides and plates is a viable treatment to address concurrent ABGD and antebrachiocarpal laxity. The complications experienced in these cases did not differ from those reported for standard ABGD correction.