Limb deformities can affect the way a pet's bones develop, align, and function. These abnormalities may be present from birth, develop as the pet grows, or occur following trauma, injury, or abnormal bone growth. Even small changes in limb alignment can put abnormal stress on the joints and nearby tissues. Over time, this can lead to pain, lameness, and early arthritis.
At Edinger Surgical Options, our orthopedic surgeons evaluate each limb deformity individually to understand how abnormal alignment affects your pet's movement and long-term joint health. Our goal is not only to address the visible deformity, but to restore the best possible alignment and function of the affected limb.
Diagnosis & Surgical Planning
A comprehensive orthopedic examination is the first step in evaluating limb deformities. Our surgeons assess your pet's gait, limb alignment, range of motion, and joint function to determine how deformity affects the limb.
X-rays provide important information about bone shape, alignment, and the location and severity of the deformity. X-rays are particularly valuable to help plan the correct approach to corrective surgery. When additional detail is needed, CT scans can provide highly detailed cross-sectional and three-dimensional images, making it particularly valuable for evaluating complex bone and joint conditions and for surgical planning. Our surgical team may also utilize C-arm fluoroscopy, a specialized mobile X-ray system that provides real-time images during surgery. Unlike traditional X-rays that are typically taken before or after a procedure, C-arm imaging allows our surgeons to evaluate the deformity and surrounding anatomy while the correction is being performed.
This real-time imaging can help our surgeons assess fracture alignment, guide the placement of plates, screws, pins, and other implants, and confirm the position of the repair before completing the procedure. C-arm fluoroscopy can be particularly valuable when treating fractures near joints or injuries where precise alignment and implant positioning are especially important.
By combining advanced imaging technology with specialized orthopedic surgical techniques, our team can make informed adjustments during surgery and work toward a stable, accurate repair tailored to each patient.
Corrective Surgery
Depending on the type and severity of the deformity, surgical correction may involve corrective osteotomy, in which the affected bone is carefully cut and repositioned to improve alignment. Specialized plates and screws or other external fixation methods may then be used to maintain the corrected position while the bone heals.
Restoring Alignment. Protecting Joint Health.
Correcting a limb deformity can improve limb function, reduce abnormal forces placed on the joints, and help minimize the progression of secondary orthopedic disease, like arthritis.