Novel Achilles tendon repair technique utilizing an allograft and hybrid external fixator in dogs

BACKGROUND: Achilles mechanism rupture is a surgical condition involving primary tenorrhaphy with various described means of surgical augmentation and bolstering. AIM: To report complications and outcomes with a novel Achilles repair technique in dogs using a superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) or deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) allograft. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for dogs with chronic rupture or deterioration of the Achilles mechanism. Fibrous tissue was excised and either primary tenorrhaphy or reattachment of the tendon(s) to the calcaneus was performed. The surgical repair was supplemented by an SDFT or DDFT allograft, and postoperative immobilization was provided using a transarticular hybrid external skeletal fixator. Complications were classified as minor, major, or catastrophic, and function was classified as full, acceptable, or unacceptable, based on established guidelines. RESULTS: Complications occurred with 6 out of 12 repairs, including 1 minor, 6 major, and 2 catastrophic complications. The two catastrophic complications were the recurrence of tarsal hyperflexion and lameness at 20 weeks and 18 months following surgery. Of the 12 surgeries performed, 2 resulted in full function, 8 with acceptable function, and 2 with unacceptable function at last follow-up 17–98 weeks postsurgery (mean = 45 weeks) for a success rate of 10/12 cases. CONCLUSION: The use of SDFT or DDFT allografts, coupled with an external fixator, can provide a moderate rate of full or acceptable functional outcomes and appears a viable treatment. However, complications were frequent and without a comparison group no conclusions can be drawn about the inferiority or superiority of this technique to other techniques for Achilles mechanism repair in dogs.