Diagnosis and management of a fracture of the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus in a dog

Abstract

An eight-month-old, 31.2 kg, entire male Golden Retriever was presented for evaluation because it had a four-week history of right hindlimb lameness and audible popping occurring in association with movement of the right hindlimb. Mild right hindlimb lameness was noted upon gait analysis. Moderate to severe effusion and pain on extension were appreciated on palpation of the right tarsus. Dorsoplantar and lateral radiographs of the right tarsus revealed significant soft tissue swelling over the lateral aspect of the tarsus and widening of the joint space over the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus. A fracture of the lateral ridge was appreciated upon evaluation of the flexed dorsoplantar view. Un-enhanced computed tomography of the right tarsus confirmed fracture of the talus; one large and two small bone fragments were noted adjacent to the lateral aspect of the lateral trochlear ridge and medial to the fibula. The fracture was surgically repaired via a lateral approach; a fibular osteotomy was performed. The fragment was manually reduced and secured with a 1.5 mm cortical screw placed in lag fashion. The fibular osteotomy site was reduced and fixed with two 1.6 mm Kirshner wires and a tension band composed of 0.9 mm cerclage wire. The patient made a complete clinical recovery, however, the union was fibrous and evidence of mild osteo- arthritis was noted on postoperative radiographs.