Angular limb deformity: From diagnosis to correction

Antebrachial angular limb deformity (ALD) is among the most demanding conditions in small animal orthopaedics, sitting at the intersection of growth plate biology, complex three dimensional biomechanics, and highly individual clinical presentations. In this session we will work from first principles: reviewing why antebrachial deformities develop (trauma, developmental disease, chondrodystrophy), how discordant radial–ulnar growth produces elbow incongruity and carpal deformity, and how to distinguish dogs that need intervention from those that do not. We will then discuss treatment options including — guided growth, distal ulnar ostectomy, proximal ulnar osteotomy, CORA based acute osteotomy (closing, opening, dome, step), 3D printed patient specific guides, and gradual correction with circular frames — with an emphasis on indications, limitations, and real world pitfalls. Throughout, the focus is on treating the patient rather than chasing radiographic perfection, integrating pain, function, osteoarthritis trajectory and owner goals into truly individualised decision making.

• Explain the pathophysiology of antebrachial angular limb deformities.
• Systematically assess patient age, pain, functional status and deformity severity to formulate an individualised management plan.
• Understand why CORA based deformity planning is important.
• Select and justify the application of growth modifying versus osteotomy techniques.
• 5.Summarise the potential advantages and limitations of 3D printed patient specific guides in ALD surgery and explain why they should support, rather than replace, sound clinical examination and deformity thinking.