Torsion in Quadrupeds and Its Impact on Mammalian Joints

Application of computed tomography and stereolithography to correct a complex angular and torsional limb deformity in a donkey

“…Bone modeling has been proposed to correct mild angular deformities and may have contrubited to an angular compensation in the tibia and metatarsus; however, modeling cannnot correct torsion. 7 Consequently, surgical treatment was recommended in this case. No attempt was made to correct the metatarsal varus deformity, based on its small magnitude, and the invasiveness and cost of a second ostectomy with internal fixation.…”

“…If a compensatory mechanism was responsible for the metatarsophalangeal deformity, the inciting cause of the tibial deformity must have occurred early in life. Bone modeling has been proposed to correct mild angular deformities and may have contrubited to an angular compensation in the tibia and metatarsus; however, modeling cannnot correct torsion . Consequently, surgical treatment was recommended in this case.…”

“…These techniques rely on residual physeal growth to facilitate correction and may have limited efficacy in severe cases . The potential for these techniques to correct torsional deformity is unclear . Corrective osteotomies have been used effectively in deformities of the metacarpus, metatarsus, radius, and proximal phalanx in foals, but are rarely reported in mature large animals .…”

“…3,5 The potential for these techniques to correct torsional deformity is unclear. 7 Corrective osteotomies have been used effectively in deformities of the metacarpus, metatarsus, radius, and proximal phalanx in foals, but are rarely reported in mature large animals. 2,8,9 In contrast, corrective osteotomies are a routine approach to manage bone deformities in dogs and cats.…”