Abnormal angulation/torsion of the pelvic appendicular skeleton in broiler fowl: morphological and radiological findings.

Seventy broilers, culled because of angular or torsional limb deformities, were studied. Findings supported the concept that a pattern of limb dominance occurs in broilers with the right pelvic limb being more likely to show severe deformity. Estimates of bone torsion revealed that angular and torsional deformities can occur independently and that the whole limb should be examined. The term 'twisted leg', which is commonly used to describe limb deformities in broilers, is considered descriptively inadequate. Abnormal diaphyseal curvature was frequently identified and in most cases there was evidence of physeal osteochondrosis. It is suggested that the diaphyseal cortical hypertrophy seen in such bones is adaptive.