Hybrid, transarticular external fixation with platelet‐rich plasma injection as a treatment for partial calcaneal tendon disruption in dogs without primary tenorrhaphy

Objective To report the use of a hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixator and platelet‐rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy for management of partial calcanean tendon disruption in dogs. Study design Multi‐institutional retrospective study. Animals A total of 11 client‐owned dogs. Methods Medical records from two referral centers from 2019 to 2022 were reviewed for inclusion in the study. Dogs diagnosed with partial, non‐traumatic calcanean tendon disruption treated with hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixation and platelet‐rich plasma injection were included in the study. Cases that did not include complete postoperative follow‐up over 8–12 weeks and owner‐reported outcomes at >6 months were excluded from the study. Dogs with traumatic laceration or those in which a primary tenorrhaphy was performed were also excluded. Results A total of 11 ( n = 11) dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median follow‐up time was 18.5 months (6 months–34 months). Mean time of fixation was 9 weeks (6 weeks–12 weeks). Five dogs returned to full, pain‐free function (5/11 = 45%). Five dogs had an acceptable return to function (5/11 = 45%). One dog had an unacceptable outcome (1/11 = 9%). Pin tract complications occurred in five dogs (5/11 = 45%) and resolved with medical intervention. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that temporary tibiotarsal immobilization with a hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixator and platelet‐rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy can lead to a successful outcome in dogs with partial calcanean tendon disruption. Clinical significance Temporary hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixation and platelet‐rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy may play a role in the management of partial calcanean tendon disruption in dogs.