Use of a Custom-made Synthetic Internal Brace for the Repair of a Proximal Gastrocnemius Muscle Tear in a Dog

Abstract To describe the surgical procedure and long-term outcome of a complete traumatic tear of the gastrocnemius muscle mass without avulsion in a dog treated by sutures and using a custom-made prothesis as internal brace to support healing. A mix-breed dog had acute right hindlimb lameness caused by a complete proximal tear of both heads of the gastrocnemius muscle with hematoma. The tear was resolved with sutures. The gastrocnemius was augmented using an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implant sutured to the muscle mass and lengthened with two sutured nylon strands fastened through a bone tunnel drilled in the distal part of the femur to reduce the mechanical constraints on the sutured tear. Clinical, orthopedic, and imaging examinations were performed at 45 days and 8 months postoperatively. A phone call to the owner completed the follow-up at 18 months postoperatively. The dog bore weight one day after surgery. Normal stance and gait were resumed 45 days after surgery, despite moderate muscle atrophy. At 8 months, the dog had normal gait and moderate muscle atrophy. Muscle mass on the proximal right gastrocnemius muscle was continuous with few signs suggesting muscle fibrosis without any impact on clinical evolution. The owner indicated that the dog had normal gait and recovered muscle mass at 18 months. This case resulted in a satisfactory functional clinical outcome. This technique could be considered to treat proximal lesions of the gastrocnemius muscle.