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Saitoh et al: Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Study population: 12 dogs with medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability (TCI), including 5 working farm dogs.
Procedure: Temporary immobilization using a calcaneotibial screw (CTS) combined with external coaptation (EC).
Stabilization techniques:

  • 3 dogs = primary ligamentous repair
  • 8 dogs = synthetic ligament reconstruction
  • 2 dogs = malleolar fracture repair

Follow-up: Median 31 months (range 4–66); 10 owners completed outcome survey.
Outcomes:

  • All 10 dogs had improved or resolved lameness.
  • All 5 farm dogs returned to work (most at full or substantial capacity).
  • Complication rate: 4 distinct events in 3 dogs (1 major = CTS breakage; 3 minor = bandage-related soft tissue injuries).

Conclusion: CTS + EC provided effective immobilization with low complication rate, and functional outcomes were favorable even in active dogs.

Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs

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← Articles

Saitoh et al: Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Study population: 12 dogs with medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability (TCI), including 5 working farm dogs.
Procedure: Temporary immobilization using a calcaneotibial screw (CTS) combined with external coaptation (EC).
Stabilization techniques:

  • 3 dogs = primary ligamentous repair
  • 8 dogs = synthetic ligament reconstruction
  • 2 dogs = malleolar fracture repair

Follow-up: Median 31 months (range 4–66); 10 owners completed outcome survey.
Outcomes:

  • All 10 dogs had improved or resolved lameness.
  • All 5 farm dogs returned to work (most at full or substantial capacity).
  • Complication rate: 4 distinct events in 3 dogs (1 major = CTS breakage; 3 minor = bandage-related soft tissue injuries).

Conclusion: CTS + EC provided effective immobilization with low complication rate, and functional outcomes were favorable even in active dogs.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Saitoh 2025 et al., on CTS stabilization, which group of dogs all returned to work after CTS stabilization?

A. Pet dogs with trauma
B. Agility dogs
C. Large-breed show dogs
D. Farm dogs with instability
E. Sled dogs

Answer: Farm dogs with instability

Explanation: All 5 working farm dogs returned to work postoperatively.
In Saitoh 2025 et al., on CTS stabilization, which outcome was reported in all 10 surveyed dogs?

A. No radiographic OA progression
B. Returned to full agility competition
C. Developed implant infection
D. Improved or resolved lameness
E. Required permanent arthrodesis

Answer: Improved or resolved lameness

Explanation: All surveyed dogs showed lameness improvement or resolution following CTS and coaptation.
In Saitoh 2025 et al., on CTS stabilization, which of the following was used in the majority of stabilization procedures?

A. Transarticular external fixation
B. Syndesmotic wire tightening
C. Synthetic ligament reconstruction
D. Arthrodesis with bone plate
E. Medial joint capsule plication

Answer: Synthetic ligament reconstruction

Explanation: 8 of 12 dogs underwent synthetic ligament reconstruction as the primary repair method.
In Saitoh 2025 et al., on CTS stabilization, what was the major complication observed?

A. Screw loosening
B. Bone lysis at insertion
C. CTS breakage
D. Infection at pin site
E. Delayed union

Answer: CTS breakage

Explanation: A single major complication occurred: breakage of the CTS.
In Saitoh 2025 et al., on CTS stabilization, what method was commonly used in addition to CTS?

A. External fixator
B. Total tarsal fusion
C. External coaptation
D. Bilateral screw fixation
E. Tenodesis of gastrocnemius

Answer: External coaptation

Explanation: All dogs received postoperative external coaptation alongside CTS.

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