Summary
Dorsal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal instabilities are considered to be uncommon
in dogs and only a few cases have been reported in cats. Treatment usually consists
at partial arthrodesis. Internal splinting of the affected joints represents an alternative
surgical method, with the goal of preserving joint function. In the present study,
13 animals (10 cats and 3 dogs) with dorsal, dorsomedial or dorsolateral intertarsal
or tarsometatarsal instabilities, treated with an internal fixator (ComPact UniLock
2.0/2.4™ System) in bridging function, were reviewed. The joint cartilage was left
intact. Follow-up time ranged from one month to one year postoperatively. The clinical
outcome was considered good or excellent in 12 of the animals and moderate in one
cat. The implants were removed from three patients. Follow-up radiographs were available
for 10 cases. Joint space narrowing, or joint fusion, occurred in three cases. A broken
screw each in one cat and one dog did not affect the stability of the joints involved.
The technique described is simple and less invasive than partial arthrodesis and results
suggest it as being a valuable alternative to partial arthrodesis. Early implant removal
might possibly prevent cartilage damage and joint fusion due to prolonged immobilization.
Keywords
Tarsus - dorsal instability - internal fixator
