Predisposing Factors for Implant Removal following Surgical Repair of Tarsal Injuries in 124 Racing Greyhounds: 2007–2018

Introduction: Explantation following tarsal injury repair in racing greyhounds is a common requirement. Our objective was to characterize greyhound tarsal breakdown injuries and identify variables associated with implant removal. We hypothesized that certain tarsal injuries or orthopaedic repair would predispose to explantation.

Materials and Methods: Medical records from greyhounds with surgically repaired tarsal injuries between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed. Signalment, tarsal pathology, surgical repair, and complications were recorded. Associations with explantation were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results: One hundred twenty-four greyhounds were presented for racetrack-related tarsal injuries. Tarsal pathology was varied and often comprised multiple injuries, repaired with a variety of implants. Forty-four of 124 (35.5%) greyhounds experienced postoperative complications of which 34/124 (27.4%) required explantation for resolution. Calcaneal fractures (p = 0.0163), multiple implants (p = 0.0073), and complications (p ≤ 0.0001), specifically, infection, implant exposure, and persistent lameness, were significantly associated with explantation.

Discussion/Conclusion: Significant associations between explantation and calcaneal fractures and multiple implants allowed us to accept our hypotheses. Complex calcaneal fractures were often repaired with a variety of implants, which may have been reflected in the increased probability of explantation in calcaneal fracture repair. Significant associations with implant complications reinforce the need for management practices that minimize surgical site infection. No plantar necrosis, a major complication previously described, was observed in this population. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature. Infection was not confirmed with culture in all cases. This review will guide management practices that target reduction of morbidity after surgery for tarsal breakdown.

Acknowledgment: There were no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.