Three-Dimensional Planning and Surgical Correction of Bilateral Developmental Valgus Deformity of the Manus in a Dog

A one-year-old, 48 kg, male neutered, Great Dane presented for bilateral thoracic limb lameness ascribed to an apparent developmental valgus deformity of both manus. Corrective radial-shaped osteotomies of the four weight-bearing metacarpal bones (II–V) were virtually planned based on CT scan data, and bone models of each corrected manus were three-dimensionally (3D)-printed, sterilized, and used intra-operatively to facilitate the procedure. Corrective radial-shaped osteotomies of metacarpals II–V were performed on the right and then left manus, nine weeks apart. In the right manus, metacarpal bones II, IV, and V were individually stabilized with bone plates and screws, while metacarpal bone III was stabilized with an intramedullary pin. Bone plates and screws were used to stabilize metacarpal bones II–V in the left manus. Postoperative alignment was deemed appropriate following both procedures. A caudally positioned splint was maintained for four weeks following each surgery, and all osteotomies obtained union within eight weeks of surgery. The dog was examined 79 weeks after the initial procedure and thoracic limb posture and gait were markedly improved. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and printed bone models facilitated successful correction of this dog’s deformities.