Longitudinal split fracture of the lateral malleolus causing tarsocrural subluxation in a Siberian Husky.

Abstract

A 4-year-old Siberian Husky was referred for bilateral hock trauma after being involved in a road traffic accident. The dog sustained a grade 3 shearing injury to the medial right hock with tibiotarsal subluxation, which was managed with a transarticular frame. The left hock sustained a rare open longitudinal split fracture of the lateral malleolus, resulting in lateral tarsocrural instability. The fracture was repaired directly with cross pins and a figure-of-eight tension band wire, which restored joint congruency and stability. All implants were removed after 8 weeks. The dog had a good functional outcome at 8-month follow-up. Based on a search of the veterinary literature, this is the first published report of such a lateral malleolar fracture configuration in dogs.