Flexor digitorum lateralis tendon transposition for the repair of bilateral calcaneal tendon rupture in a cat with severe thermal injury

Abstract

SummaryObjective: To describe a novel technique utilizing the flexor digitorum lateralis tendon to repair rupture of the common calcaneal tendon with a gap defect.Clinical report: An eight-month-old male Domestic Shorthair cat with bilateral common calcaneal tendon rupture secondary to severe thermal injury underwent bilateral common calcaneal tendon repair performed in two stages. The first stage involved using the flexor digitorum lateralis tendon to reconstruct the common calcaneal tendon and a semitendinosus muscle flap for improved blood supply. A calcaneotibial screw was used for immobilization of the tarsocrural joint. The second surgery involved free skin grafting for complete wound closure. Twelve weeks after the calcaneotibial screws were placed, the calcaneotibial screws were removed and fibreglass splints were applied. The splints were removed after two weeks.Results: Full recovery took five months between the surgery and the final follow-up examination. The cat had a functional gait with no lameness and was able to jump to a height of approximately 75 cm.Clinical significance: Use of the flexor digitorum lateralis tendon may be considered for repair of a common calcaneal tendon rupture when a gap exists and traditional tendon lengthening techniques are not feasible.