Back Orthopaedic Case · 02

Lateral malleolus fracture

Tarsal stabilisation in a 40 kg Golden Retriever after a jumping injury.

PatientBuddy
Patient detailsGolden Retriever · 2 years · Male
ProcedureLateral malleolus fracture repair
Content advisory: This page contains explicit clinical imagery (anatomical structures, surgical procedures or X-rays) intended for veterinary professionals.

According to the owner, Buddy was playing with a ball, jumped up and landed funny. On physical examination, pain and severe swelling were detected over the right tarsus, especially on the lateral aspect, with non-weight-bearing lameness.

Imaging & assessment

Orthogonal radiographs revealed a lateral malleolus fracture. Stress views and palpation confirmed a stable joint with no involvement of the collateral ligaments — but on manipulation, a mild to moderate degree of rotational instability was noted. Surgical stabilisation was strongly advised given Buddy’s 40 kg body weight.

Pre-op cd-cr view
Fig. 1 — Pre-op cd-cr view
Pre-op lat view
Fig. 2 — Pre-op lat view

Surgical repair

A lateral approach to the talocrural joint revealed severe oedema and bruising. Repair was achieved with:

  • 1.2 mm IM pin placed in a distal-to-proximal fashion
  • 0.75 mm cerclage wire used to create a figure-of-8 tension band
  • 1.4 mm pin placed parallel to the talocrural joint, lateral to medial
Post-op cd-cr view showing pin, tension band and skin staples
Fig. 3 — Post-op cd-cr view
Post-op lateral view showing pin and figure-of-8 tension band
Fig. 4 — Post-op lat view

Follow-up

Buddy recovered well, and at 4 weeks post-operative radiographs the fracture was healing well.

6 weeks post-op cd-cr view
Fig. 5 — 6 weeks post-op cd-cr
6 weeks post-op recheck lateral view
Fig. 6 — 6 weeks post-op recheck lat view

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