The Efficacy of Modified Transarticular External Skeletal Fixation Type II Technique for Management of Talocrural Instability in Dogs: Outcomes and Complications

Abstract

Objective: To report the efficacy of two approaches of modified type II transarticularexternal skeletal fixator (TESF) without joint arthrodesis for treatment of talocruralinstability/luxation (TCI) in dogs and to rate short-term outcomes and complications afterits use.Study design: Retrospective study.Sample population: Ten dogs.Methods: Medical records of All dogs suffered from TCI and have been treated using TESFtype II between January 2012 to December 2021 were reviewed. Information was collectedincluding signalment, lameness score, type of TCI, accompanying injuries. The surgicalmanagement included TESF alone (n=2) and TESF with internal repair (n=8), both didn’tinvolve debridement of the articular cartilage. The post-operative follow-up assessmentincluded lameness score, ankylosis and complications.Results: All dogs had satisfactory joint stability at the time of frame removal. All dogsexhibited minor complications, 4 dogs had major complications and persistent lameness.Females and older animals showed high degrees of joint ankylosis compared with malesand younger animals.Conclusion: Modified-TESF type II (with internal repair) technique would be better thanarthrodesis. it is considered a joint saving procedure with high success rate regardingrestoration of function, lameness score, ankylosis and short term postoperative follow upcomplications, Modified type II TESF with internal repair showed significant outcomesespecially in heavy breeds dogs, preserving the articular cartilage reduces the overallcomplication rate and preserved the joint function.Clinical significance: This study supports the use of temporary modified type II TESF withinternal repair and without tarsal arthrodesis for management of TCI in dogs as analternative to tarsal arthrodesis.