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  • Title: Achilles tendon repair in dogs using the semitendinosus muscle: surgical technique and short-term outcome in five dogs.
    Author: Baltzer WI, Rist P.
    Journal: Vet Surg; 2009 Aug; 38(6):770-9. PubMed ID: 19674421.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To describe augmentation of primary Achilles tendon repair using suture with a semitendinosus muscle flap and report outcome in 5 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=5) with Achilles tendon rupture (n=6). METHODS: After tendon repair with #2 polypropylene in a 3-loop pulley suture pattern, the lateral one-half of the semitendinosus muscle was transected from the ischium, rotated distally then sutured with #2 polypropylene to the calcaneus in a 3-loop pulley pattern. The epitenon was sutured to the muscle flap fascia with interrupted sutures. All dogs had a bivalved cast for 2 weeks then a cranial splint for 2-6 weeks. Lameness scores (0=stands and walks normally to 4=non-weight-bearing lameness, plantigrade stance on affected pelvic limb) were determined every 2-3 weeks postoperatively for 12 weeks. Outcome was determined from telephone questionnaire of owners. RESULTS: Four had lameness scores of 0, the 5th had a score of 1 at 12 weeks. Three owners were very satisfied with outcome. Minor complications included cast sores (2 dogs), infection (2), and acute swelling (1); 1 major complication occurred (infection resulting in reoperation). CONCLUSIONS: Semitendinosus flap augmentation resulted in early return to function without prolonged postoperative immobilization. Three dogs returned to full work/activity after repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Augmentation of primary Achilles tendon repair with a semitendinosus flap can be considered in dogs with chronic rupture but further investigation of the long-term outcome using this technique is needed.
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