Reconstruction of a chronic gastrocnemius tendon rupture using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture tape and flexor digitorum lateralis augmentation in a dog

A 5-year-old Poodle presented with a plantigrade stance three weeks after traumatic gastrocnemius tendon rupture. Surgical exploration confirmed a complete rupture; following debridement and tenorrhaphy, a 20 mm defect remained. This gap was bridged using a double-layer ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture tape and augmented with flexor digitorum lateralis (FDL) transposition. At 2 months, ultrasonography confirmed maintained tendon continuity without foreign body reaction. By 3 months, posture normalized and gait analysis showed near-symmetric hindlimb loading. No major complications occurred during the 12-month follow-up. Combined UHMWPE bridging and FDL augmentation is an effective surgical option for chronic gastrocnemius ruptures with substantial defects when primary apposition is not feasible.