title: Carpal valgus in llamas and alpacas: Retrospective evaluation of patient characteristics, radiographic features and outcomes following surgical treatment.
abstract: This study evaluated outcomes of surgical treatment for carpal valgus in New World camelids and correlated successful outcome (absence of carpal valgus determined by a veterinarian) with patient characteristics and radiographic features. Univariable and multivariable analyses of retrospective case data in 19 camelids (33 limbs) treated for carpal valgus between 1987 and 2010 revealed that procedures incorporating a distal radial transphyseal bridge were more likely (P = 0.03) to result in success after a single surgical procedure. A greater degree of angulation (> 19°, P = 0.02) and younger age at surgery (< 4 months, P = 0.03) were associated with unsuccessful outcome. Overall, 74% of limbs straightened, 15% overcorrected, and 11% had persistent valgus following surgical intervention. To straighten, 22% of limbs required multiple procedures, not including implant removal. According to owners, valgus returned following implant removal in 4 limbs that had straightened after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
authors.forename: Katja F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Duesterdieck-Zellmer
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
authors.forename: Jill E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
authors.forename: Stacy A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Semevolos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome