Changes

==Clinical Signs==  

==Clinical Signs==  

The dog will present with '''lameness and hyperextension of the [[Forelimb - Anatomy & Physiology|carpus]]''' when weightbearing. The severity of hyperextension depends on the level of damage. On physical exam periarticular thickening is normally apparent. Effusions and pain may be present, especially if the condition is chronic.  

The dog will present with '''lameness and hyperextension of the [[Forelimb - Anatomy & Physiology|carpus]]''' when weightbearing. The severity of hyperextension depends on the level of damage. On physical exam, periarticular thickening is normally apparent. Effusions and pain may be present, especially if the condition is chronic.  

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

After taking dorsopalmar and lateral radiographs of the affected limb, '''stressed radiographs''' are needed to identify the '''location''' of the damage and to assess the level of '''instability''' and ligament disruption. These can normally be taken '''standing''', with the dog weightbearing on the affected limb. As the cause of carpal hyperextension is normally traumatic, the limb should be thoroughly assessed for any '''other damage''' that may have occured - particularly to the '''proximal metacarpal bones''' and '''collateral ligaments'''.  

After taking dorsopalmar and lateral radiographs of the affected limb, '''stressed radiographs''' are needed to identify the '''location''' of the damage and to assess the level of '''instability''' and ligament disruption. These can normally be taken '''standing''', with the dog weightbearing on the affected limb. As the cause of carpal hyperextension is normally traumatic, the limb should be thoroughly assessed for any '''other damage''' that may have occurred - particularly to the '''proximal metacarpal bones''' and '''collateral ligaments'''.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

The first stage of the surgery is the '''debridement of the articular cartillage''' on the joint surfaces. Secondly, '''[[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology|cancellous bone]]''' is collected from a distant site and '''implanted''' in the surgical site. Finally, a '''specific pancarpal arthrodesis bone plate''' (ideal), medial bone plate or external skeletal fixator is used to '''fix the joint''' in position. '''Complete immobilisation''' of the joint is necessary for successful surgery, and '''external coaption''' may be used as an extra method of immobilisation. It is important to arthrodese the joint in the '''normal weightbearing position''' (approximately 170° dorsal) to minimise lameness post operatively.  

The first stage of the surgery is the '''debridement of the articular cartillage''' on the joint surfaces. Secondly, '''[[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology|cancellous bone]]''' is collected from a distant site and '''implanted''' in the surgical site. Finally, a '''specific pancarpal arthrodesis bone plate''' (ideal), medial bone plate or external skeletal fixator is used to '''fix the joint''' in position. '''Complete immobilisation''' of the joint is necessary for successful surgery, and '''external coaption''' may be used as an extra method of immobilisation. It is important to arthrodese the joint in the '''normal weightbearing position''' (approximately 170° dorsal) to minimise lameness post operatively.  

'''Partial carpal arthrodesis''' can be performed is damage and instability is limited to the intracarpal and carpometacarpal joint. This does preserve some joint movement but the surgery is less successful and associated with the development on degenerative joint disease.  

'''Partial carpal arthrodesis''' can be performed if damage and instability is limited to the intracarpal and carpometacarpal joint. This does preserve some joint movement but the surgery is less successful and associated with the development on [[Degenerative Joint Disease|degenerative joint disease]].  

Complications of the surgery include '''malunion or non-union of the joint, implant failure, incorrect arthodesis angle, [[Fractures|fracture]], wound breakdown and infection'''.  

Complications of the surgery include '''malunion or non-union of the joint, implant failure, incorrect arthodesis angle, [[Fractures|fracture]], wound breakdown and infection'''.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

The prognosis is '''good'''. The limb comensates for the lack of carpal movement, resulting in minor functional gait abnormality once the animal has recovered from surgery.   

The prognosis is '''good'''. The limb compensates for the lack of carpal movement, resulting in minor functional gait abnormality once the animal has recovered from surgery.   

{{Learning

{{Learning

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

[[Category:Joints - Patholgoy]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]

[[Category:Musculoskeletal Diseases - Dog]]