Page 318 - Canine Lameness

290 18 Tarsal Region

Fractures of the proximal aspect of the tuber calcanei are usually associated with lameness that
features excessive tarsal flexion and sometimes the curled digits (crab-claw appearance), that is
more commonly associated with gastrocnemius insertion disruption (Figure 18.5).
Swelling is easy to detect, since there is very little soft tissue covering the bones of the tarsus. It
is usually limited to the site of the injury. Displacement of the central tarsal bone produces a pal-
pable and sometimes slightly mobile projection on the craniomedial aspect of the tarsus.

18.3.3 Diagnostics
Diagnosis of tarsal fractures (and associated luxations) is generally made on the basis of physical
TARSAL REGION (A) (C) (E)
and radiographic findings. Standard dorsoplantar and mediolateral projections are often sufficient,

(B) (D) (F)

Figure 18.5 Examples of traumatic tarsal joint injuries: Patient I (A–D) was diagnosed with proximal
intertarsal joint luxation due to disruption of the plantar ligaments. The patient shows (A) hyperflexion of the
tarsus with flexed digits, a similar appearance to patients presenting with Type IIc Achilles tendinopathy.
Standard (B) lateral views do not show obvious evidence of the (white arrow) fracture luxation; however, it can
be visualized on the (C) dorsoplantar view and the degree of disruption becomes obvious when performing (D)
flexed stress views; Patient II (E, F) was diagnosed with comminuted fractures of the central, second, third, and
fourth tarsal bones and proximal second metatarsal bones with associated (white arrow) soft tissue swelling.