Humeral Torsion in Dogs with Concurrent Antebrachial Deformities

Introduction: Compensatory adaptations of the humerus may result from antebrachial physeal damage. Computer-aided design (CAD) has shown superior repeatability, reproducibility, and accuracy in diagnosing angular limb deformities. To date, no cases of diagnosis or treatment of humeral torsion have been reported in the canine patient.

Materials and Methods: Cases of antebrachial and brachial deformities in dogs were reviewed with CAD. Surgical correction was planned on a case-by-case basis. Preoperative planning, communication, and medical records were reviewed. Lameness scores, postoperative surgical execution, and owner and veterinarian outcome assessments were assessed in all cases.

Results: Nine cases met the inclusion criteria. The median humeral torsion angle was 18.9 ± 21.8 degrees^a with all but one case demonstrating external humeral torsion. An array of concurrent brachial and antebrachial deformities were also diagnosed. Surgical correction included humeral, radial, ulnar, and carpal osteotomies and carpal or elbow arthrodeses. Excellent surgical execution was observed in all cases. There was a median preoperative lameness score of 4 ± 0.4/5^a and a postoperative lameness score of 1 ± 0.5/5.^a Owners were very satisfied^a with the outcome and surgeons were moderately satisfied.^a

Discussion/Conclusion: We have observed nine cases of dogs with humeral torsion and concurrent antebrachial deformities that underwent corrective and/or salvage procedures. In cases of canine antebrachial and brachial deformities, a CT reconstruction-based CAD analysis of the entire thoracic limb may lead to an increased diagnosis of humeral torsion and guide treatment options.

Acknowledgment

No external funding was provided for this study. Further data collection is pending and will be resubmitted and/or presented in the final abstract.^a

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Juli 2025