Percutaneous, Transarticular, Hybrid External Fixation as A Treatment for Partial Calcaneal Tendon Disruption in Dogs without Primary Tenorrhaphy

Introduction: Chronic calcanean tendon injuries can be a challenging problem for veterinary surgeons to manage. The purpose of this study is to determine if a minimally invasive, biologic approach will be successful in managing these injuries. Our hypothesis is that temporary tibiotarsal immobilization via a hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixator without primary tenorrhaphy following platelet-rich plasma injection into the paratenon or tendon core lesions can lead to successful outcomes in partial calcaneal tendon disruption.

Materials and Methods: Records of patients treated at two surgical referral centers from 2019 to 2022 were reviewed for inclusion. Cases lacking postoperative follow-up over 6 to 12 weeks and owner-reported outcomes at >6 months were excluded. Cases of traumatic rupture, pre-existing pelvic limb orthopaedic or neurological disease, and primary tendinous repair were also excluded. Outcomes were assessed through owner follow-up regarding degree of lameness, recurrence of tendon rupture, and return to preinjury activity level.

Results: Eleven (n = 11) dogs met the inclusion criteria. Ten dogs returned to full, pain-free function according to owner follow-up (10/11 = 91%) and engaged in their previous activities at a level comparable to their preinjury state. One dog experienced a recurrent calcanean tendon injury <6 months after fixator removal (1/11 = 9%) and was managed with a repeated fixator placement and platelet-rich plasma injections.

Discussion/Conclusion: This method of fixation allowed for a successful minimally invasive, biologic approach to the management of partial calcanean tendon disruption in the majority of dogs in this study.

Acknowledgements: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 September 2023