RSS-Feed abonnieren
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632546
Tarsocrural Arthrodesis: A Clinical Report Using a Circular External Fixator
Publikationsverlauf
Received:12. November 1997
Accepted:06. Februar 1998
Publikationsdatum:
10. Februar 2018 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00035023/199804/lookinside/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0038-1632546-1.jpg)
Summary
Arthrodesis is a well documented treatment option for comminuted intraarticular fractures, irreparable collateral ligament injuries, limb salvage for ischiatic nerve injury, and severe degenerative joint disease of the tarsocrural joint (1-6). Conservative splint or bandage application often results in a less than favorable outcome in the management of these types of injuries. Common techniques to achieve tarsocrural arthrodesis include divergent Steinmann pin placement, lag screw or compression plating and external skeletal fixation (1-5). This report describes a tarsocrural arthrodesis using a circular external fixation system to manage an open, severely contaminated, comminuted intra-articular fracture of the talus and calcaneous, with extensive soft tissue degloving injuries. The decision to use a circular external fixation system was based on its ability to (1) adequately stabilize the tibialtarsal region, (2) be applied with minimal soft tissue and vascular disruption, (3) allow adequate post-operative soft tissue wound management, and (4) be tolerated well by the patient allowing early weight bearing of the limb.
Severe tarsocrural injuries were diagnosed on a four-year-old mixed breed dog including articular fractures of the tubercalcaneous, talus, fibula, multiple tarsal bones and the second metatarsal bone. A circular ring external fixator was used to arthrodese the joint. Twelve weeks following surgery the limb was functional without any mechanical gait alteration and with minimal to zero discomfort.
-
REFERENCES
- 1 Newton CD. Arthrodesis of the stifle, tarsus and interphalangeal joints. In Textbook of Small Animal Orthopedics.. Newton CD, Nunnamaker DM. eds. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott; 1985: 572-3.
- 2 Piermattei DL, Flo GL. Fractures and Other Orthopedic Injuries of the Tarsus, Metatarsus and Phalanges. In Brinker, Piermattei and Flo's Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment, 3rd ed.. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1997: 607-55.
- 3 Early TD. Carpus and Tarsus Injuries. In Current Techniques in Small Animal Sur Surgery.. Bojrab MJ. ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1990: 871-83.
- 4 Hulse DA, Johnson AL. Management of Joint Disease. In Small Animal Surgery.. Fossum TW. ed. St. Louis: Mosby Yearbook, Inc.; 1997: 986-93.
- 5 Lesser AS. Arthrodesis. In Textbook of Small Animal Surgery, 2nd ed.. Slatter D. ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1993: 1888-9. 1898-901.
- 6 Gorse MJ, Early TD, Aron DN. Tarsocrural Arthrodesis: Long Term Functional Results. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1991; 27: 231-5.
- 7 Ferretti A. The Applications of the Ilizarov Technique to Veterinary Medicine. In Operative Principles of Ilizarov.. Bianchi-Maiocchi A, Aronson J. eds. Milan, Italy: Medi Surgical Videa, Baltimore: Wilkens & Wilkens; 1991. Appendix 551-60.
- 8 Elkins AD, Morandi M. The Ilizarov External Ring Fixator: Principles, Techniques, and Uses. In Textbook of Small Animal Surgery, 3rd ed.. Slatter D. ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1993: 1656-61.
- 9 Thommasini MD, Betts CW. Uses of the "Ilizarov" External Fixator in Dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 1991; (04) 70-6.
- 10 Piermattei DL. An Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones and Joints of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1993: 308-9.
- 11 DeCamp DE, Martinez SA, Johnston SA. Pantarsal Arthrodesis in Dogs and a Cat: 11 Cases (1983-1991). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1993; 203 (12) 1705-7.
- 12 Klause SE, Piermattei DL, Schwart PD. Tarsocrural Arthrodesis: Complications and Recommendations. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1989; 3: 119-24.
- 13 Taylor RD, Dee JF. Tarsus and Metatarsus. In Textbook of Small Animal Surgery, 2nd ed.. Slatter D. ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1993: 1876-88.
- 14 Lewis DD. Circular External Skeletal Fixation: Biomechanics. In Abstracts of Companion Animal Circular External Skeletal Fixation Short Course, College Station, Texas 1996