title: Long-term outcome of distal femoral osteotomy for treatment of combined distal femoral varus and medial patellar luxation: 12 cases (1999-2004).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine long-term outcome of distal femoral osteotomy as a component of treatment for distal femoral varus and medial patellar luxation in large-breed dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  12 dogs (16 stifle joints).
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to identify large-breed dogs with medial patellar luxation (grade > or = 2) and femoral varus angle > or = 12 degrees treated with distal femoral osteotomy, with a minimum follow-up (by a veterinarian) of 18 months. Signalment, weight, medial patellar luxation and lameness grade, pre- and postoperative femoral varus angle, surgical technique, time to radiographic bone union, and complications were recorded. Follow-up with owners via questionnaire was performed > 18 months after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  16 corrective distal femoral osteotomies were performed with ancillary medial patellar luxation procedures in 12 dogs; 4 dogs had staged bilateral procedures. Mean +/- SD preoperative and postoperative femoral varus angles were 16.3 +/- 4.3 degrees and 3.9 +/- 2.5 degrees , respectively. Mean +/- SD time to radiographic union of the distal femoral osteotomy was 52.6 +/- 13 days. One dog had Kirschner wire migration from the tibial tuberosity. Patellar luxation was not detected after surgery in any dog. Mean +/- SD follow-up by a veterinarian was 1,335 +/- 410 days and by use of an owner questionnaire was 1,497 +/- 464 days. All 10 variables of owner-observed patient comfort and function were significantly improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Distal femoral osteotomy in combination with traditional treatment provided predictable osteotomy healing, patellar stabilization, and long-term improvement in patient comfort and function when used to treat combined distal femoral varus and medial patellar luxation in large-breed dogs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Swiderski
authors.forename: Ross H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Palmer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D031222:Patellar Dislocation / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013264:Stifle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome