🔍 Key Findings
Study population: 12 dogs with medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability (TCI), including 5 working farm dogs.
Procedure: Temporary immobilization using a calcaneotibial screw (CTS) combined with external coaptation (EC).
Stabilization techniques:
- 3 dogs = primary ligamentous repair
- 8 dogs = synthetic ligament reconstruction
- 2 dogs = malleolar fracture repair
Follow-up: Median 31 months (range 4–66); 10 owners completed outcome survey.
Outcomes:
- All 10 dogs had improved or resolved lameness.
- All 5 farm dogs returned to work (most at full or substantial capacity).
- Complication rate: 4 distinct events in 3 dogs (1 major = CTS breakage; 3 minor = bandage-related soft tissue injuries).
Conclusion: CTS + EC provided effective immobilization with low complication rate, and functional outcomes were favorable even in active dogs.
Simini Surgery Review Podcast
🔍 Key Findings
Study population: 12 dogs with medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability (TCI), including 5 working farm dogs.
Procedure: Temporary immobilization using a calcaneotibial screw (CTS) combined with external coaptation (EC).
Stabilization techniques:
- 3 dogs = primary ligamentous repair
- 8 dogs = synthetic ligament reconstruction
- 2 dogs = malleolar fracture repair
Follow-up: Median 31 months (range 4–66); 10 owners completed outcome survey.
Outcomes:
- All 10 dogs had improved or resolved lameness.
- All 5 farm dogs returned to work (most at full or substantial capacity).
- Complication rate: 4 distinct events in 3 dogs (1 major = CTS breakage; 3 minor = bandage-related soft tissue injuries).
Conclusion: CTS + EC provided effective immobilization with low complication rate, and functional outcomes were favorable even in active dogs.
Simini Surgery Review Podcast
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