Clinical
JAAHA: Pes varus correction in a miniature dachshund
A recent report in JAAHA describes the surgical correction of a pes varus deformity in a 13-month-old miniature dachshund using free-form bilateral multiplanar external skeletal fixation.
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Pes varus, Latin for “inward-facing foot,” is a bone deformity where the distal tibia is turned inward toward the body, resulting in lameness and a bow-legged appearance.
Most dogs affected by this condition are juvenile dachshunds without a history of trauma, which points at a probable genetic cause.
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A new case report in JAAHA describes successful correction of distal tibial pes varus in a 13-month-old miniature dachshund using a free-form bilateral multiplanar external skeletal fixation (ESF) construct with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) connecting bars.
The dog presented with right pelvic limb lameness, distal tibial varus deformity, and concurrent grade 2 lateral patellar luxation (LPL). Radiography and CT confirmed isolated varus without sagittal plane deformity or tibial torsion.
Preoperative planning utilized joint orientation angles and center of rotation of angulation (CORA) methodology to guide a medial opening wedge osteotomy. Stabilization was achieved with variably angled transfixation pins incorporated into a custom PMMA ESF frame, allowing intraoperative and postoperative three-dimensional adjustment. Residual malalignment identified intraoperatively was corrected by modifying the acrylic frame.
The report highlights advantages of free-form multiplanar ESF in small-breed angular limb deformities, including flexibility in pin placement, preservation of blood supply via limited surgical approach, and capacity for staged adjustment and dynamization. This technique represents a practical alternative to plate fixation, particularly in cases with limited distal bone stock and complex three-dimensional alignment requirements.
Read the full case report in the latest issue of JAAHA:
The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA) is a storied publication presenting the latest scientific articles from around the world. Each month we present a sampling from the current month’s journal.
Photo courtesy of JAAHA
Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors. This article had editing assistance from an AI software.
