Long-Term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of the Surgical Management of Medial or Dorsomedial Tarsometatarsal Subluxation by Prosthetic Ligamentoplasty in Dogs

Abstract

Objective

Medial and dorsomedial tarsometatarsal subluxation can be surgically managed by screws and orthopaedic wires. The goal of this retrospective study was to provide long-term clinical and radiographic outcome data for this method in dogs.

Study Design

The medical records of dogs diagnosed with medial or dorsomedial luxation to a referral hospital in France from 2012 to 2023 were recorded. Patients treated with prosthetic ligamentoplasty without cartilage debridement or bone grafting were included. Long-term follow-up data were obtained via questionnaire (owners), and clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed by a single surgeon.

Results

At the last follow-up, all owners reported that their pets (n = 20) had regained full or acceptable function of the affected limb; 2/15 had grade I lameness. All tarsometatarsal joints were stable. Follow-up radiographs were performed (mean = 4 years) and revealed partial (11/14) to complete (2/14) radiographic bony ankylosis of the tarsometatarsal joint. Complications, mainly consisting of implant migration, were reported in 7/20 of the dogs.

Conclusion

Palpable stability and signs of radiographic bony ankylosis can be achieved by prosthetic ligamentoplasty in cases of medial or dorsomedial tarsometatarsal subluxation, leading to full or acceptable function. Tarsometatarsal cartilage debridement and cancellous bone grafting appear non mandatory for achieving joint stability, with lower patient morbidity and surgical time.

Keywords

tarsometatarsal subluxation - dorsomedial - dogs - prosthetic ligamentoplasty

Contributors' Statement

J.M. and P.R. contributed to the conception and design of the study, acquisition of the data, data analysis and interpretation, drafting and revision of the manuscript, and approval of the submitted manuscript and are publicly accountable for the relevant content. C.T, J.C., P.G., and T.D. contributed to data acquisition and drafting and revising the manuscript, approved the submitted manuscript and are publicly accountable for the relevant content. Q.C. contributed to the conception of the study, data acquisition, and drafting and revising the manuscript; approved the submitted manuscript; and is publicly accountable for the relevant content.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 15. März 2025

Angenommen: 16. Dezember 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
30. Dezember 2025

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