Deformity

An approximately three-month-old, 0.45 kg female Domestic Shorthaired kitten with stiff hyperextended hindlimbs distal to the talo-central joint is reported. Attempts at repositioning of the joints by flexion failed while increased manipulative forces caused signs of pain and vocalization. Orthogonal radiographic views revealed a significant malarticulation of the tarsus. Goniometric measurments revealed a 145° extensor and 95° internal torsional deformity. 

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe a protocol for measurement of the anatomic lateral distal femoralangle (aLDFA), angle of anteversion (AA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), tibialtuberosity displacement (TTD), and crural torsion angle (CTA) from computed tomography (CT) multiplanar reconstructions of canine hindlimbs. (2) To test the intra-observer variability (repeatability) and inter-observer variability (reproducibility) of the protocol.

A 4 · 5-month-old, 13 · 8 kg, female neutered mixed breed dog was presented for evaluation of acute non-weight bearing right pelvic limb lameness. Radiographs revealed a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture for which open reduction/internal fixation was performed. Asymmetrical premature closure of the cranial aspect of the proximal tibial physis ensued with a tibial plateau angle of -12°. Abnormal stifle biomechanics resulted in lameness and caudal cruciate ligament fraying.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess whether the bisection of the fabellae by their respective femoral cortices is a useful criterion for assessing positioning of craniocaudal pelvic limb radiographs, and whether this is consistent in limbs affected or unaffected by medial patella luxation.

METHODS:

Computed tomography multi-planar reconstructions were used to determine the relative positions of the fabellae with respect to the femoral cortices.

RESULTS: