Corrective Osteotomy of a Metacarpal Deviation Caused by Fracture in a 9-Month-Old German Fleckvieh Heifer.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical treatment of a metacarpal deviation caused by an untreated Salter-Harris type I fracture in a heifer.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.

ANIMAL: 9-month-old German Fleckvieh heifer.

METHODS: A closing wedge osteotomy was performed to correct deviation of fused metacarpal III and IV. A triangular bone wedge was removed and the proximal and distal fragments of the bone were brought into apposition and stabilized with an 11-hole T-plate. A full-limb cast was applied postoperative.

RESULTS: Radiographs were taken at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperative. No postoperative complications occurred and the heifer was discharged from the clinic 51 days after surgery. Radiographs taken 6 months after discharge showed periosteal callus formation around the closing wedge osteotomy. At 24 months postoperative, implants were intact and the heifer was in good general condition.

CONCLUSION: Closing wedge osteotomy was successfully performed in a heifer with a metacarpal deviation, correcting the malunion after a untreated Salter-Harris type I fracture. Radiographs showed evidence of osteotomy healing and the heifer had full use of the affected leg at 24 months postoperative.