Partial Achilles tendon tears in dogs treated with external fixator

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of a hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixator and platelet-rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy for management of partial calcanean tendon disruption in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 11 client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records from two referral centers from 2019 to 2022 were reviewed for inclusion in the study. Dogs diagnosed with partial, non-traumatic calcanean tendon disruption treated with hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixation and platelet-rich plasma injection were included in the study. Cases that did not include complete postoperative follow-up over 8-12 weeks and owner-reported outcomes at >6 months were excluded from the study. Dogs with traumatic laceration or those in which a primary tenorrhaphy was performed were also excluded. RESULTS: A total of 11 (n = 11) dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up time was 18.5 months (6 months-34 months). Mean time of fixation was 9 weeks (6 weeks-12 weeks). Five dogs returned to full, pain-free function (5/11 = 45%). Five dogs had an acceptable return to function (5/11 = 45%). One dog had an unacceptable outcome (1/11 = 9%). Pin tract complications occurred in five dogs (5/11 = 45%) and resolved with medical intervention. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that temporary tibiotarsal immobilization with a hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixator and platelet-rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy can lead to a successful outcome in dogs with partial calcanean tendon disruption. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Temporary hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixation and platelet-rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy may play a role in the management of partial calcanean tendon disruption in dogs.