Summary
In order to apply hinged transarticular external skeletal fixation for stabilization
of the injured canine tarsal joint, knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) location
and orientation of the transverse axis is necessary. This method of immobilization
may be used as a primary or adjunctive method of stabilisation for a large number
of traumatic conditions. Using pin-mounted markers in the cadaveric Greyhound crus
and talus, a closed-form solution of absolute orientation was used to identify, on
radiographs, the lateral and medial locations of the transverse axis by tracking the
3D excursions of the markers during flexion and extension. A line was drawn across
the dorsal aspect of the calcaneus from the most dorsal point on the distal articular
surface (proximal intertarsal joint: PIJ) to the most dorsal point on its proximal
articulation with the body of the talus, and the location of the centre of rotation
was expressed in terms of the length of that line. In seven Greyhound tarsal joints,
the medial end of the axis was located 73 ± 10% proximal to the PIJ and 11 ± 7% dorsal
to the line. The lateral end was 73 ± 9% proximal to the PIJ and -2 ± 3% plantar to
the line.
Keywords
Canine - tarsal joint - joint axis - external skeletal fixation