Complications of middiaphyseal radial ostectomy performed for treatment of premature closure of the distal radial physis in two dogs.

Middiaphyseal radial ostectomy was performed in 2 dogs that had premature closure of their distal radial physes. Complications included disuse osteoporosis, carpal hyperextension of the affected and contralateral limbs, degenerative joint disease involving the cubital and carpal joints, synostosis of the radius to the ulna, premature closure of the distal portion of the ulna, and failure to achieve normal limb length. Both dogs were lame after exercise.