Morphology and correction of distal tibial valgus deformities.
OBJECTIVE
To characterise distal tibial valgus deformities in dogs through physical examination and radiographic evaluation.


METHODS
In a clinical study of 16 client-owned dogs, twelve unilateral and four bilateral distal tibial valgus deformities were evaluated using palpation and radiographs. The origin and amplitude of angulation, rotation and length deficits if present were measured. Radiographically, fibular length and position in relation to the tibia was compared in affected and clinically normal limbs. The dimensions of the fibular physes were also compared between clinically normal and affected limbs.


RESULTS
Rottweilers and Shetland sheepdogs were overrepresented. Valgus deformities ranged from 16 degrees to 48 degrees (median, 32 degrees ) in affected and from 0 degrees to 13 degrees (median, 6 degrees ) in contralateral, clinically normal limbs. Fibular length, fibular position relative to the tibia or physeal dimensions were not statistically different between affected and clinically normal limbs.


CONCLUSIONS
Many distal tibial valgus deformities in dogs are a uniplanar deformity without concurrent craniocaudal or rotational changes or length deficits. A growth cessation in the fibula does not appear to be responsible for the development of the deformity.
Jaeger
G H
GH
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Marcellin-Little
D J
DJ
Ferretti
A
A
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*