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DOI: 10.1055/a-2784-8496
Unilateral Genu Recurvatum and Tarsal Joint Dysplasia in a Juvenile Cat
Authors
Funding Information None declared.
Abstract
Introduction
Genu recurvatum is characterized by the abnormal hyperextension of the stifle joint. Herein, we describe the diagnosis and surgical management of unilateral genu recurvatum and tarsal joint dysplasia in a juvenile cat.
Case Report
A 2-month-old intact female Devon Rex cross was brought to our clinic after its owner observed unilateral (left) hindlimb lameness. Orthopaedic and imaging evaluations revealed hip joint laxity, genu recurvatum, and luxation of the calcaneoquartal and talocalcaneocentral joints. The cat underwent combination surgery involving femoral segmental ostectomy, temporary partial tarsal immobilization with subtalar joint fixation, and temporary stifle and tarsal joint immobilization using an external skeletal fixator.
Results
All temporary implants were removed within 4 weeks after surgery, except for the plate used for partial tarsal immobilization, which was removed after 4 months due to implant failure. Despite persistent hip dysplasia and signs of stifle and tarsal joint osteoarthritis, the cat demonstrated improved gait with only mild lameness 1 month after surgery, with further functional improvement maintained for at least 29 months.
Clinical Significance
Surgical correction of genu recurvatum and tarsal joint luxation may provide long-term functional improvements in juvenile cats, indicating that early surgical intervention can be considered for the management of such complex deformities.
Publication History
Received: 08 September 2025
Accepted: 08 January 2026
Article published online:
20 January 2026
© 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
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