Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Llama with severe carpal valgus fixed by bilateral wedge osteotomy
By Squire, K R & Adams, S B·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1991·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Bilateral wedge ostectomy on an 18-month-old llama with severe bilateral carpal valgus.
Plain-English summary
A young 18-month-old llama was brought in because it had severe bending of its front legs, known as carpal valgus. This condition started when the llama was just 6 months old and was caused by growth issues in the bones of the legs. The owners opted for surgery to correct the problem, which involved cutting and realigning the bones in both front legs. After the surgery and a period of casting, the llama healed well and was able to walk and run normally again, although some minor issues with the joint were noted afterward.
People also search for: llama leg problems · carpal valgus treatment in llamas · llama surgery for leg alignment
Abstract
An 18-month-old llama was admitted with severe (45 degrees and 40 degrees) bilateral carpal valgus. The llama had grown normally until it was 6 months old, when the carpal deviations had commenced. Radiography revealed abnormalities at the distal ulnar physes. Premature closure of these physes or abnormal distal ulnar growth may have been the cause of the carpal valgus. The owners requested surgical correction of the condition. Medial wedge osteotomies of each radius were performed 3 weeks apart. Internal fixation of the osteotomized radial bones was accomplished with small right-angled T plates, and the limbs were placed in full-limb casts for 3 weeks and tube casts for 3 more weeks. Both limbs healed in straight alignment, and the llama was able to walk and run normally. Dorsal subluxation of the right radiocarpal joint was noticed after the operation. This was believed to be caused by the uncorrected dorsal bowing of the distal portion of the radius, which had occurred secondary to the severe carpal valgus.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1752769/