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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2017; 30(05): 331-338
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-16-12-0160
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Effect of a calcaneo-tibial screw on medial and lateral stability of the canine tarsocrural joint ex vivo

Kevin R. Frame
1   The Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (IVABS), College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
2   Current address: Hollywood, FL, USA
,
Janis P. Bridges
1   The Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (IVABS), College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
,
Andrew J. Worth
1   The Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (IVABS), College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
› Author AffiliationsFunding for this project was provided by the Massey University Working Dog Center.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 12 December 2016

Accepted: 11 May 2017

Publication Date:
23 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objective: To evaluate the use of a temporary calcaneo-tibial screw for stabilization of the tarsocrural joint in dogs with surgically treated collateral ligament injury.

Methods: The degree of varus and valgus laxity of the tarsocrural joint in various states of injury and stabilization was measured in paired cadaveric limbs of Greyhound dogs. The angle of varus or valgus laxity was calculated following simulated collateral ligament injury (long collateral ligament only, long and short collateral ligaments, and bilateral long and short collateral ligaments) and stabilization with a calcaneo-tibial screw.

Results: The joint was significantly more stable after placement of a calcaneo-tibial screw compared to limbs with any combination of injured collateral ligaments. There was not a significant difference between stability of the intact limb compared to the injured limb with calcaneo-tibial screw fixation.

Clinical significance: Calcaneo-tibial screw fixation appears to be an adequate method of stabilizing the tarsocrural joint following collateral ligament injury, and warrants clinical evaluation as a less expensive alternative to external skeletal fixation application. It is likely that this method would need to be supplemented with a cranial half cast to prevent screw failure during weight bearing.

Keywords

Tarsocrural - collateral ligaments - calcaneo tibial screw - musculoskeletal injuries - working dogs
 

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