Efficacy of immobilization of the tarsal joint to alleviate strain on the common calcaneal tendon in dogs

We model the action of muscle-tendon system(s) about a given joint as a serial actuator and spring. By this technique, the experimental joint moment is imposed while the combined angular deflection of the actuator and spring are constrained to match the experimental joint angle throughout the stance duration. The same technique is applied to the radial leg (i.e., shoulder/hip-to-foot). The spring constant that minimizes total actuator work is considered optimal, and this minimum work is expressed as a fraction of total joint/radial leg work, yielding an actuation ratio (AR; 1 = pure actuation and 0 = pure compliance). To address work modulation, we determined the specific net work (SNW), the absolute value of net divided by total work. This ratio is unity when only positive or negative work is done and zero when equal energy is absorbed and returned. Our proximodistal predictions of joint function are supported during level and 15° grade running. The greatest AR and SNW are found in the proximal leg joints (elbow and knee). The ankle joint is the principal spring of the hindleg and shows no significant change in SNW with grade, reflecting the true compliance of the common calcaneal tendon. The principal foreleg spring is the metacarpophalangeal joint. The observed pattern of proximal actuation and distal compliance, as well as the substantial SNW at proximal joints, minimal SNW at intermediate joints, and variable energy absorption at distal joints, may emerge as general principles in quadruped limb mechanics and help to inform the leg designs of highly capable running robots.

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Medial pantarsal arthrodesis with Compact UniLock 2.0 locking plate system in a cat

Open Veterinary Journal ◽

10.4314/ovj.v10i4.15 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 465-470

Author(s):

Luca Pennasilico ◽

Riccardo Botto ◽

Caterina Di Bella ◽

Angela Palumbo Piccionello

Keyword(s):

Locking Plate ◽

Joint Disease ◽

Intractable Pain ◽

Salvage Procedure ◽

Locking Plates ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

Post Surgery ◽

High Incidence ◽

The Common ◽

Locking Plate System

Background: Pantarsal arthrodesis is a salvage procedure carried out for the treatment of tarsal joint disease, including severe osteoarthritis with intractable pain in the tarsocrural joint, tarsal fractures, shearing injuries, tarsocrural joint instability, and failure of the common calcaneal tendon. Although medial plating is preferable, the high incidence of post-surgery complications is possible. Using thin, pre-contouring or easy contouring, locking plates might reduce the incidence of such complications. However, to date, there are no pre-contouring and dedicated locking plates forpantarsal arthrodesis with medial placement.Case Description: The case of an 18-month-old female stray European cat has been referred because of a severe tibiotarsal injury improperly treated with an intramedullary pin. The patient was submitted for medial pantarsal arthrodesis, performed with the Compact UniLock 2.0™ locking plate systema (DePuy Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland). The authors hypothesized that this particularly innovative osteosynthesis system could present advantages compared to the systems already in use for medial pantarsal arthrodesis and therefore reduce the risk of complications.Conclusion: This innovative titanium locking system, because of its versatile contour function and thinness, allowed the good functional recovery of the limb and showed numerous advantages over traditional systems.

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Tenorrhaphy of the Common Calcaneal Tendon in Dogs and Cats

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.84404 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

pp. 7

Author(s):

ísis Dos Santos Dal-Bó ◽

Cássio Ricardo Auada Ferrigno ◽

Aline Schafrum Macedo ◽

Fernanda Paes ◽

Jaqueline França Dos Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Hind Limb ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Tendon Repair ◽

Distal Portion ◽

Bovine Pericardium ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

The Common ◽

The Right ◽

Locking Screw

Background: Common calcaneal tendon (CCT) is usually affected by injuries in dogs and less frequently in cats. The Achilles mechanism consists of the convergence of three distinct structures: the tendons of the gastrocnemius muscle, superficial digital flexor muscle and the common tendons of the biceps femoris, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles. Classification of lesions is based upon their location, severity and chronicity. Clinical signs include lameness, plantigrade stance and various degrees of tarsal hyperflexion according to the injury’s severity. The purpose of this study is to report four cases of reconstruction of the common calcaneus in three dogs and a cat.Cases: Case 1. A 10-year-old male canine, Brazilian Terrier, 7.7 kg of body weight, with a 6-month history of nonweightbearing lameness of the right hind limb attended consultation. Orthopedic examination showed plantigrade stance, hyperflexion of the right tibial-tarsal joint (TTJ) and swelling with fibrous thickening of the distal portion of the CCT. Surgical tendon repair was achieved through insertion of a locking screw on the calcaneo-tibial, tenorrhaphy and suture of a titanium plate on the caudal aspect of the CCT. Case 2. A 2-year-old female mongrel canine, with 13.3 kg of body weight was presented with the complaint of chronic left hind leg lameness. The owner described trauma at the area of the hock six months prior to consultation. On orthopedic exam, severe lameness was noted, swelling with fibrous thickening of the distal portion of the common calcaneal tendon and hyperflexion of the left TTJ (plantigrade position) were visible. Tendon repair was performed in the same manner as in case 1, except that in this case a bovine pericardium graft preserved in glycerin 98% was sutured over the tendon/plate conjunction. Case 3. A 6-year-old female mongrel canine, with 18.6 kg of body weight was attended with a 22-day history of right hind limb lameness. On physical exam intermittent lameness during gait performance and non-weight-bearing position in stance were noted. The distal portion of the limb was internally rotated with plantigrade stance and discontinuity of the CCT was palpable. Tenorrhaphy was performed similarly to case 2. Case 4. A 6 kg, 3-year-old, mixed breed male feline was admitted with a wound on the CCT region for 7 days. The wound was originated after animal interaction with a stray feline. On clinical examination the animal was non-weight bearing on the right hind limb, with plantigrade posture and with a 1 cm wound on the caudal portion of the CCT with tendon exposure. Surgical repair was performed by tenorrhaphy with placement of a surgical steel plate on the caudal aspect of the CCT. A bovine pericardium graft preserved in glycerin 98% was sutured on top of the plate. The TTJ was immobilized with a type II transarticular external fixator.Discussion: Ultrasonography is the test of choice to monitor tendon healing after tenorrhaphy. At this report, this exam was crucial to determine when the calcaneal-tibial screw could be removed. Two dogs and the cat from this report received an association of plate and bovine pericardium preserved in glycerin 98%. The purpose of this association was to increase the strength of the tenorrhaphy, and the pericardium graft had also the function of reducing the formation of peritendinous adhesions. Immobilization of the TTJ has the purpose of opposing muscle forces to avoid stress at tenorrhaphy suture increasing the strength of the healed tendon allowing early weight bear while minimizing the recurrence risk and avoiding limb contracture. We chose to perform the procedure with hyperextension of the TTJ in order to promote greater relaxation of the tendon since there was need to remove large portions of calcaneal fibrous tissues of the dogs and devitalized tissue in the cat from this report. Surgical treatment of injuries of the Achilles mechanism has good prognosis in complete closed lesions treated by tenorrhaphy associated with suture of a plate, suture of bovine pericardial graft preserved in 98% glycerin, calcaneal-tibial locking screw and splint for six weeks.Keywords: Achilles tendon, rupture, calcaneo-tibial screw, locking-loop suture pattern.

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Repair of Chronic Complete Traumatic Rupture of the Common Calcaneal Tendon in a Dog, Using a Fascia Lata Graft

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1632639 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 13 (02) ◽

pp. 104-108 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

J. Shani ◽

R. Shahar

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Fascia Lata ◽

Traumatic Rupture ◽

Free Graft ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

Tendon Length ◽

The Common ◽

Successful Repair

SummaryA 3-month-old male Cocker Spaniel was presented with the complaint of chronic right hind leg lameness. The owner described superficial trauma at the area of the hock, which was noticed immediately after delivery. History, habitus, physical examination, and radiography suggested rupture of the common calcaneal tendon. This report describes the successful repair of complete rupture of the common calcaneal tendon, with loss of tendon length, using a fascia lata free graft.The following case report describes the successful repair of a chronic complete traumatic rupture of all components of the Achilles tendon with loss of tendon length, in a 3-month-old puppy, using a tensor fascia lata free graft. Due to the young age of the animal no internal fixation was used to protect the graft, and external coaptation was used instead. Achilles tendon rupture is a relatively common injury in humans and many methods of repair are reported for acute and chronic ruptures. The medical and veterinary literature is reviewed with regard to the pathogenesis and treatment of Achilles tendon rupture.

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Macroscopic and microvascular blood supply of the canine common calcaneal tendon

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.3415/vcot-09-05-0057 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 23 (02) ◽

pp. 81-86 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

C. L. Shmon ◽

K. A. Linn ◽

B. Singh ◽

P. J. Gilbert

Keyword(s):

Blood Supply ◽

Barium Sulphate ◽

Distal Portion ◽

Achilles Tendinopathy ◽

Training Methods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

Musculotendinous Junction ◽

Vessel Count ◽

The Common

SummaryChronic tendinopathy injuries to the canine common calcaneal tendon are relatively common in large breed dogs and typically affect the distal portion of the tendon. In humans, poor blood supply, biomechanical faults, poor training methods and fluoroquinolone administration have all been linked with the development of Achilles tendinopathy. The most common sites for Achilles tendinopathy in humans seem to correspond with areas of poor blood supply within the tendon.The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood supply of the canine common calcaneal (Achilles) tendon to determine if variations occur along the tendon. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the microvascular blood supply at varying points along the tendon.Paired pelvic limbs were collected from 12 large breed dog cadavers. A 50% barium sulphate and 50% saline solution was infused into the femoral artery of one limb from each dog and radiographs were taken to outline the blood supply to the common calcaneal tendon. Indian ink was infused into the contralateral limb. The common calcaneal tendon was removed, fixed and sectioned at 1 cm intervals, from calcaneal insertion to musculotendinous junction. The ink-filled arteries and arterioles in each section were counted. Radiographs revealed fine branches from the caudal saphenous artery entering the mid-body of the tendon along its cranial border. The musculotendinous junction had additional branches from the gastrocnemius muscles. Distally, vessels radiated proximally from the calcaneus 2 to 3 cm into the tendon. Mean total vessel counts at the insertion (138.54 ± SD 31.06) were significantly higher than all other sections (p <0.001). The mid-body had significantly lower total vessel counts. When the cross sectional area of the tendon was taken into account, only the insertion had a significantly higher mean vessel count/cm2 than the mid-body of the tendon. There were no other significant differences in mean vessel count/cm2.Areas of poorer blood supply did not correspond with the most commonly reported site for chronic common calcanean tendinopathies, suggesting that inherent poor blood supply at the site of injury may not play a role in the pathogenesis. Atraumatic handling and minimal manipulation should be used during the surgical approach and debridement to preserve the remaining blood supply in ruptured tendons.

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Inflammatory response of two invasive techniques in the mouse with collagenase induced tendinopathy

Revista Fisioterapia Invasiva ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3401862 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 02 (02) ◽

pp. 080-080

Author(s):

García Vidal JA ◽

Pelegrín Vivancos P. ◽

Escolar Reina P. ◽

Medina i Mirapeix F.

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Response ◽

Murine Model ◽

Inflammatory Infiltrate ◽

Histopathological Examination ◽

Regenerative Process ◽

Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

The Common

Abstract Background Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a physiotherapy technique which has demonstrated its effectiveness for the treatment of tendinopathies and muscle pathologies. All the authors consulted base its therapeutic effect on the capacity to produce an important inflammatory response during the initial phase of the regenerative process. However, presently, the histological effects of the technique on tendinopathies are unknown. The aim of this study was to histologically examine the inflammatory response provoked by the PNE versus dry needling (DN) in mice with collagenase-induced tendinopathy. Material and Methods In order to achieve the proposed aim, a murine model was used with a total of 18 C57BL/6J mice. One week prior to the intervention, collagenase-induced tendinopathy was performed in the common calcaneal tendons of all mice. Once the pathology was established, they received DN in the left common calcaneus tendon, whereas, on the right, they received treatment with PNE. Groups of animals were sacrificed at 3, 7 and 14 days to evaluate the histological evolution of injuries. Samples of the common calcaneal tendon were taken and were later fixed in formalin, processed, and included in paraffin blocks. Sections of 3 microns thick were performed, which were dyed using hematoxylin-eosin for conventional histopathological examination. Results In both groups, tissue damage was observed with collagen fragmentation and the presence of fibroblasts. Dry needling of the common calcaneal tendon induced the presence of an acute inflammatory infiltrate (characterized by the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages) at the level of the peritenon and adjacent fat tissue which was detectable after day 3, and notable after days 7 and 14. The application of PNE induced a similar effect, although on day 14, the inflammatory infiltrate of PNE was more evident, compared to DN. Conclusion The proposed in vivo murine model has demonstrated to be useful for the study of the evolution of the first phases of the regenerative process induced by both techniques. The histopathological results reveal that PNE generates a pro-inflammatory stimulus which is superior to DN on day 14.

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Use of a single-ring transarticular fixator construct for immobilisation of the talocrural joint following common calcaneal tenorrhaphy

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.3415/vcot-08-08-0072 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 22 (05) ◽

pp. 430-435 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

C. E. DeCamp ◽

J. Yu ◽

R. L. Rooks ◽

J. C. Norton

Keyword(s):

Tendon Rupture ◽

Surgical Repair ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

The Other ◽

Talocrural Joint ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

Satisfactory Outcome ◽

Single Ring ◽

The Common ◽

Periarticular Tissue

Summary Objective: To describe the use of a single-ring transarticular fixator construct for use in immobilisation of the talocrural joint in order to protect the healing of surgical repair of ruptures of the common calcaneal tendon. Methods: Ten repairs were performed in nine dogs. The age, breed, sex, details about the duration of pre-existing lameness, and the location and severity of tendon rupture at presentation were recorded for each dog. Recheck examinations were performed at one, two, four, six, eight, and 12 weeks postoperatively. At each visit up to and including six weeks, radiographs of the affected limb were taken. Fixators were removed after a mean of 5.9 weeks. Complications were documented and classified as major or minor. Major complications were those that required an additional surgical intervention. Results: All repairs progressed to a satisfactory outcome. While eight of the 10 repairs developed some type of complication, only two required surgical intervention. In one repair, seroma formation necessitated drain placement and the other developed severe periarticular tarsal swelling necessitating early removal of the fixator. Lameness scores overall increased during the initial six weeks, however lameness quickly resolved following fixator removal. At 12 weeks postoperatively, all tendons had healed. The lameness had fully resolved in eight of 10 repairs and had drastically decreased in the remaining two. Clinical significance: A single-ring transarticular fixator construct is a reliable means of immobilising the talocrural joint following surgical repair of the common calcaneal tendon. Periarticular tissue swelling is common but typically mild.

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Histopathological analysis of the inflammatory response of two invasive techniques in the calcaneal tendon of a mouse

Revista Fisioterapia Invasiva ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3401870 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 02 (02) ◽

pp. 091-091

Author(s):

Medina i Mirapeix F. ◽

García Vidal JA ◽

Escolar Reina P. ◽

Martínez Cáceres CM

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Response ◽

Murine Model ◽

Inflammatory Infiltrate ◽

Histopathological Examination ◽

Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils ◽

Histopathological Analysis ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

The Common

Abstract Background and Aim Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a therapeutic tool which has demonstrated its effectiveness of the treatment of tendinopathies and muscle problems. Previous authors have based the therapeutic effect of the same on the ability to provoke an important inflammatory response. However, there is a scarcity of basic research directed at understanding its effects on a cellular and histological level. The aim of this study was to histopathologically compare the inflammatory response provoked by PNE versus dry needling (DN) in a healthy animal model. Material and Methods For the proposed study aim a murine model was used with a total of 18 C57BL/6J mice. All animals received an application of DN in the left common calcaneal tendon, whereas on the right, treatment with PNE was applied (3 impacts of 3mA during 3 seconds). Groups of animals were sacrificed at 3, 7 and 15 days to evaluate the histopathological evolution of the lesions. Samples of the common calcaneal tendon were taken and fixed in commercial formalin at 4% tamponed during 24 hours, processed and included in paraffin blocks. Sections of 3 microns thick were performed which were dyed with hematoxylin-eosin for conventional histopathological examination. Results Dry needling of the common calcaneal tendon induced the presence of an acute inflammatory infiltrate (characterized by the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages) in the peritenon and adjacent fat tissue which was detectable after the third day, and which was most notable on days 7 and 14. The application of PNE induced a pattern with a similar behavior, however on day 14, the inflammatory infiltrate of PNE was more evident compared with DN. Conclusion The proposed in vivo murine model has been useful for the study of the first phases of the regeneration process induced by both techniques. The histopathological results show that PNE generates a superior stimulus compared to DN on day 14.

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Morphological and biomechanical studies on the common calcaneal tendon in dogs

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.3415/vcot-08-03-0029 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 22 (02) ◽

pp. 119-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

S. Reese ◽

I. Jopp

Keyword(s):

Flexor Tendon ◽

Biomechanical Testing ◽

Tensile Load ◽

Maximum Load ◽

Biomechanical Properties ◽

Tendon Injury ◽

Calcaneal Tendon ◽

Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon ◽

Load To Failure ◽

The Common

SummarySpontanous rupture at the distal part of the gastrocnemius tendon (GT) is the second most common non-traumatic tendon injury in dogs, whereas the other strands of the common calcaneal tendon do not seem to have a predisposition to rupture. In order to discover why we investigated the common calcaneal tendons of 63 dogs microscopically and biomechanically. Both the gastrocnemius and superficial digital flexor tendon (SFT) had multiple low vascularized fibrocartilaginous areas within their distal course as opposed to regular parallel fibered areas in the proximal tendon areas. Biomechanical testing revealed that the distal sections in both tendons show a 50% and 70% lower tensile strength (Fmax/kg BW) than the proximal sections (p<0.01), respectively. On the contrary, tensile load (Fmax/mm2) only differed minimally between proximal and distal sections in both tendons (8% and 9%, respectively), whereas the tensile load of the distal gastrocnemius tendon is 35% lower than of the distal superficial flexor tendon (p<0.01). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to experimentally show that there are different biomechanical properties within the same tendon. The maximum load to failure is lower in the GT compared to the SFT within the same dog which explains its higher incidence of rupture in the field. The avascular fibrocartilaginous structure in the distal gastrocnemius tendon seems to play a further role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous rupture.

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