Achilles tendon repair in dogs using the semitendinosus muscle: surgical technique and short-term outcome in five dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe augmentation of primary Achilles tendon repair using suture with a semitendinosus muscle flap and report outcome in 5 dogs.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Dogs (n=5) with Achilles tendon rupture (n=6).


METHODS
After tendon repair with #2 polypropylene in a 3-loop pulley suture pattern, the lateral one-half of the semitendinosus muscle was transected from the ischium, rotated distally then sutured with #2 polypropylene to the calcaneus in a 3-loop pulley pattern. The epitenon was sutured to the muscle flap fascia with interrupted sutures. All dogs had a bivalved cast for 2 weeks then a cranial splint for 2-6 weeks. Lameness scores (0=stands and walks normally to 4=non-weight-bearing lameness, plantigrade stance on affected pelvic limb) were determined every 2-3 weeks postoperatively for 12 weeks. Outcome was determined from telephone questionnaire of owners.


RESULTS
Four had lameness scores of 0, the 5th had a score of 1 at 12 weeks. Three owners were very satisfied with outcome. Minor complications included cast sores (2 dogs), infection (2), and acute swelling (1); 1 major complication occurred (infection resulting in reoperation).


CONCLUSIONS
Semitendinosus flap augmentation resulted in early return to function without prolonged postoperative immobilization. Three dogs returned to full work/activity after repair.


CONCLUSIONS
Augmentation of primary Achilles tendon repair with a semitendinosus flap can be considered in dogs with chronic rupture but further investigation of the long-term outcome using this technique is needed.
Baltzer
Wendy I
WI
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. wendy.baltzer@oregonstate.edu
Rist
Paul
P
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*