Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs

The aim of the present study was to report the outcomes and complications of minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis (MITA) in dogs.

Bi-institutional retrospective study.

A total of 15 client-owned dogs.

Medical records of dogs undergoing MITA were reviewed to determine outcome and complications. Radiographs were recommended every 4 weeks until clinical union and reviewed to evaluate tibiotarsometatarsal alignment, implant position, subsequent osseous union of the debrided articulations. Time to clinical union and complications were recorded. Clinical union was defined as functional weightbearing limb use with at least 50% of osseous union. Final limb function was defined as full, acceptable, or unacceptable.

Partial tarsal arthrodesis was performed in 10 cases and pantarsal arthrodesis in five cases. Postoperative swelling was minimal. Most complications, 26% major and 40% minor, were implant-related, and explant was required in three dogs. No catastrophic complications occurred. Mean (±sd) radiographic follow-up was 11.4 (±13.1) months Mean (±sd) time to radiographic osseous union was 1.8 (±0.5) months. Mean (±sd) time to clinical union was 3.7 (±0.8) months. Physiological alignment was restored in 12/15 dogs. Complete radiographic union occurred in 46% while in the remaining 54% obtained partial radiographic union, but clinical instability was not observed. Limb function was considered full in six and acceptable in eight dogs. Function was unacceptable in one dog, but the cause was not related to MITA.

MITA resulted in restoration of alignment, which was accomplished using MITA techniques. Furthermore, MITA appeared to result in faster healing times and reduced soft tissue complications compared to conventional open approach arthrodesis.

MITA may be considered as an option to obtain functional arthrodesis in dogs.