A Novel Minimally Invasive Technique for Internal Tarsal Stabilization in the Management of Canine Gastrocnemius Myotendinous Lesions

Injuries of the gastrocnemius muscle and the common calcaneal tendon in dogs require effective stabilization of the tarsocrural joint to allow proper healing and prevent mechanical overload. This report described a novel minimally invasive technique for temporary internal tarsal stabilization using synthetic tape in two dogs. No comparison with other stabilization techniques was carried out. Both dogs presented with hindlimb lameness and partial plantigrade stance secondary to a subtotal injury of the lateral myotendinous gastrocnemius, and were treated without primary tenorrhaphy. Internal stabilization was achieved by placing polypropylene tape (B & uuml;hner's tape) between the tibial tuberosity and the calcaneus, acting as a flexion-limiting device. A clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic follow-up was carried out for 5-9 months. Both dogs showed progressive clinical improvement with restoration of near-normal tarsal angles. Ultrasonography demonstrated progressive healing with fibrous tissue bridging the myotendinous junction. No major complications or radiographic signs of osteoarthrosis were observed. This technique may represent a promising option for selected cases; however, additional studies are needed to compare it with established external or rigid internal fixation methods.