Talocalcaneal luxation in dogs was studied by anatomic dissection of the talocalcaneal joint in cadavers and review of five clinical cases. The integrity of the talocalcaneal joint was maintained by two strong ligaments traversing the tarsal sinus between the two bones. The joint was found to be a low motion joint. Luxation in clinical cases was not always apparent on standard radiographic views. Three dogs were treated surgically with a screw inserted in lag fashion from talus to calcaneus. One luxation was treated surgically with figure-of-eight orthopedic wires and one was treated with external coaptation. Four dogs returned to their previous levels of function without clinically detectable lameness.

SummaryUnstable osteochondral fractures were created on one medial femoral condyle of 39 adult rabbits. The fractures were repaired with n-butyl cyanoacrylate adhesive in 21 rabbits. The remaining fractures were not repaired. Radiographs were made at frequent intervals. The rabbits were euthanatized at 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery. The alignment and stability of the osteochondral fragments were assessed, followed by collection of sections of the medial femoral condyles for histological evaluation. Radiologically, the adhesive repaired fractures healed by primary bone union. The adhesive repaired fractures were significantly (p <0.05) better aligned and more stable than the non-repaired fractures at necropsy. Histologically, there was healing of the subchondral fracture lines of adhesive repaired fractures. The articular cartilage overlying the healing fragments was normal or had only minor surface irregularities.

An adult male African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) was diagnosed with an open right distal tarsometatarsal fracture on physical examination and radiographs. External coaptation in the form of an L splint failed to stabilize the fracture appropriately and additional fixation options were explored. The location of the fracture near the articulation between the tarsometatarsus and the hallux, the short distal fracture segment, and decreased viability of the foot precluded the use of previously described fixation methods for tarsometatarsal fracture repair. A three-ring external fixator system with modification to the distal-most ring allowed for postoperative weight-bearing with minimal nursing care. The fixator was removed after 41 days, and the bird remained fully weight-bearing. The use of a circular external fixator for distal tarsometatarsal repair in long-legged birds may be a viable option when full return to function with minimal postoperative care is desired.