Modified Transarticular External Skeletal Fixation for Support of Achilles Tenorrhaphy in Four Dogs

J. J. de Haan; R. L. Goring; C. Renberg; S. Bertrand

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1632423

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1995; 08(01): 32-35
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632423

Clinical Report

Schattauer GmbH

Modified Transarticular External Skeletal Fixation for Support of Achilles Tenorrhaphy in Four Dogs

J. J. de Haan

¹From Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Winter Park, Florida, and the

,

R. L. Goring

¹From Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Winter Park, Florida, and the

,

C. Renberg

¹From Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Winter Park, Florida, and the

,

S. Bertrand

²Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

Achilles tendon ruptures in four dogs were treated with tenorrhaphy using a modified Kessler locking loop suture pattern and postoperative immobilization in partial extension of the tibiotarsal joint. The temporary immobilization of the tibiotarsal joint was achieved with a modified transarticular external skeletal fixation (MTESF). After predrilling the bone, the first fixation pin was placed in the distal tibia and the second in the calcaneus; they were connected with medial and lateral connecting bars. This immobilization method was easy to apply and to maintain during the postoperative period. The modified transarticular external skeletal fixation was removed between five and eight weeks after the operation. All four tendons healed, and all of the dogs returned to normal function. Modified transarticular external skeletal fixation is an alternative method of immobilization of the tibiotarsal joint for support of healing Achilles tenorrhaphies in dogs.

Achilles tendon ruptures in four dogs were treated with tenorrhaphy and postoperative temporary immobilization of the tibiotarsal joint. The immobilization was achieved using a modified bilateral transarticular external skeletal fixation connecting the distal tibia and the calcaneus. All four tendons healed, and all of the dogs returned to normal function.

Keywords

Achilles tendon - tenorrhaphy - external skeletal fixation

Full Text

References

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