Reconstruction of chronic triceps tendon avulsion using synthetic mesh graft in a dog

Journal
Ambrosius L, Arnoldy C, Waller KR 3rd, Little JP, Bleedorn JA. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2015 May 12; 28 (3): 220-4

Avulsion of the triceps tendon insertion was diagnosed in a two-year-old Poodle mixed breed dog 10 weeks after traumatic injury. Diagnosis was confirmed with clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The tendon was reconstructed using tension-relieving sutures augmented with a synthetic degradable porous polyurethane urea onlay mesh graft. The repair was immobilized using a transarticular external skeletal fixator with staged increases in elbow flexion.

Treatment was successful, with signs of healing confirmed by MRI and normal clinical function one year after surgery. The successful outcome in this case suggests that surgical repair of a chronic triceps tendon injury using a synthetic mesh augmentation may be successful in similar cases.