Stabilisation of medial tibiotalar short collateral ligament rupture with an ‘ <i>Internal</i> Brace’ technique in two dogs

Abstract To report the first clinical uses of an ‘ Internal Brace’ technique to repair the rupture of the short medial tibiotalar collateral ligament in two dogs. The technique provided biomechanical stability of the tarsocrural joint and could be an effective procedure for treating short medial tibiotalar collateral ligament rupture in dogs. An English Springer Spaniel and German shepherd dog suffered a traumatic rupture of the short medial tibiotalar collateral ligament. The joint was stabilised with an ‘ Internal Brace’ technique using polyethylene suture (FiberTape) secured with polyetheretherketone (SwiveLock) anchors. A cast was used postoperatively for 4 weeks for additional early stability. Joint stability was maintained in both patients who returned to off‐lead exercise 16 weeks after surgery and were free of lameness. Both patients returned to full function, and no complications were reported at 14‐month follow‐up.