Ulnar: distal plate closure
Synonym(s): Distal ulnar plate closure
Introduction
- Higher incidence than distal radial growth plate closure Radius: distal growth plate closure.
- Cause: direct trauma, known or unknown.
- Signs: bowing of radius, deviation of carpus (carpal valgus), external rotation at the carpus, subluxation of elbow joint, osteoarthritis.
- Treatment: surgical intervention to restore elbow joint to normal congruity and lengthen/straighten entire antebrachium.
- Prognosis: fair - degenerative joint disease (DJD) a common sequela.
Presenting signs
- Bowing of radius.
- Deviation of carpus (carpal valgus).
- External rotation at the carpus.
- Subluxation of elbow joint.
- Forelimb lameness.
Age predisposition
- Immature animals (when the trauma occurs).
- Mature animals (trauma when younger but only now presented for treatment).
Cost considerations
- Varies depending on severity and treatment.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Trauma.
Pathophysiology
- Elbow changes caused either by relative overgrowth of radius in proximal and lateral direction, or displacement of proximal ulna distally.
- Distal humerus is squeezed between radial head and anconeal process - subluxation of joint and osteoarthritis.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Morgan P W, Miller C W (1994) Osteotomy for correction of premature growth plate closure in 24 dogs. Vet Comp Orthopedic Trauma 7 (3), 129-135 VetMedResource.
- Forell E B & Schwarz P D (1993) Use of external skeletal fixation for treatment of angular deformity secondary to premature distal ulnar physeal closure. JAAHA 29 (5), 460-476 VetMedResource.