Temporary locking plate to support tendon repair in dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:  The purpose of this clinical communication is to report the management of common calcaneal tendon rupture in dogs using a transarticular calcaneo-tibial locking plate as a method of temporary immobilization of the tarsocrural joint to support primary repair of the common calcaneal tendon. STUDY DESIGN:  Dogs presented with partial or complete common calcaneal tendon rupture treated with primary tendon repair supported by the transarticular calcaneo-tibial locking plate technique from July 2016 to December 2019 were included. The tarsus was placed at a standing angle of 150 degrees and the pre-contoured Fixin locking 'L' or 'T' plate was medially applied with two locking screws inserted in the calcaneus and two screws inserted in the distal tibia. Tendon healing judgement was mostly based on clinical palpation and ultrasound examination was not performed in all the cases. Plates were removed in all dogs 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS:  All tendons healed and no complications at the level of the tenorrhaphy were noted in the postoperative period. All dogs returned to hunting activity with full function of the affected limb. No major complications requiring revision surgery were observed. Minor complications occurred in two cases; osteomyelitis and screw pull-out. CONCLUSION:  The use of a transarticular calcaneo-tibial locking plate for temporary immobilization of the tarsocrural joint after surgical repair of common calcaneal tendon rupture appears to be an effective technique with comparable results to other reported techniques.