Angular limb deformities (ALDs) of the carpus (knee) are a common problem in foals and yearlings, and researchers have narrowed the surgical treatment options down to the two that present the best results. Eric R. Carlson, DVM, an equine surgery resident at the University of Illinois' Veterinary Teaching Hospital, gave a presentation on these options at the 56^th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md.

"ALDs are important because they affect how weight bearing is transferred through the lower limb, and they can have negative effects on performance and on sale value," said Carlson.

When one side of the limb grows faster from the growth plate than the other, an ALD arises. If the lateral aspect (outside) of the limb grows faster than the medial aspect (inside), then the limb deviates inward and is called a varus deformity. In contrast, a valgus deformity is caused by the medial aspect of the limb growing faster, causing the limb to deviate outwards away from midline .

The two standout surgical correction techniques that Carlson discussed were the screw and wire or the single transphyseal screw (STS) technique