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Objective To describe traumatic injuries involving the central tarsal bone (Tc) in nonracing dogs. Study design Retrospective multicenter study. Animals Thirty-two client-owned dogs. Methods Medical records from January 2010 to December 2016 were searched for dogs with Tc injury. Fracture classification, concurrent tarsal fractures, treatment, and perioperative management were tested for association with postoperative complications and short-term outcome. Outcome measures consisted of the latest lameness score reported in the record. Results The most common injuries consisted of type V fractures (22) and luxation of the Tc (8). Other injuries included 1 case each of type III and type IV fractures. Twenty-two concurrent fractures involved other tarsal bones. Complications were diagnosed in 18 (62.1%) dogs, consisting of 13 minor, 4 major, and 1 catastrophic complication. Lameness at final follow-up (median 7 weeks) in 28 dogs was scored as 0 of 5 in 14 (50.0%) dogs, 1 of 5 in 7 (25.0%) dogs, 2 of 5 in 4 (14.3%) dogs, 4 of 5 in 1 (3.5%) dogs, and 5 of 5 in 2 (7.1%) dogs. Major complications were associated with the presence of multiple tarsal fractures (risk ratio [RR] 3.94, 95% CI 0.80-19.37, P = .13), specifically when the calcaneus was involved (RR 5.78, 95% CI 1.53-21.88, P = .05). Conclusion The most common diagnosis in this population of nonracing dogs consisted of type V Tc fractures. Fractures affecting other tarsal bones were common and were associated with a higher risk of major complications, especially those affecting the calcaneus. Clinical significance Short-term outcomes seem favorable in nonracing dogs with isolated Tc fractures, but dogs with concomitant tarsal fractures are predisposed to major complications.

Objective The aim of this study was to report the surgical technique and outcomes of dogs with type V central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures stabilized with a bone plate applied to the medial aspect of the tarsus and metatarsus. Study Design This study was a retrospective review of dogs with type V CTB fractures diagnosed with computed tomography and stabilized using a medial bone plate. Follow-up included clinical examination and radiography 8 to 10 weeks postoperatively and/or a long-term owner questionnaire. Results Six dogs were identified. All fractures occurred during exercise without external trauma and all dogs had additional tarsal fractures. Five dogs returned for clinical follow-up; all had no or mild lameness and evidence of fracture healing on radiography. A suspected surgical site infection occurred in one dog and resolved with medical management. Suspected contact between the plate and medial malleolus in one dog, and loosening of a talar screw in another, were identified, though not treated. Five owners completed the questionnaire, a median of 88 months postoperatively. No further complications were reported, limb function was reportedly acceptable, and all owners were very satisfied with the surgery. Conclusion Medial bone plate stabilization of highly comminuted CTB fractures resulted in evidence of fracture healing, and a low incidence of complications in six non-racing dogs.

Background Patients with hallux valgus present a variety of symptoms that may be related to the type of deformity. Weightbearing affects the deformities, and the evaluation of the load response of tarsal bones has been mainly performed using two-dimensional plane radiography. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare structural changes in the medial foot arch between patients with hallux valgus and normal controls using a computer image analysis technique and weightbearing computed tomography data. Methods Eleven patients with hallux valgus and eleven normal controls were included. Computed tomograms were obtained with and without simulated weightbearing using a compression device. Computed tomography data were transferred into a personal computer, and a three-dimensional bone model was created using image analysis software. The load responses of each tarsal bone in the medial foot arch were measured three-dimensionally and statistically compared between the two groups. Findings Displacement of each tarsal bone under two weightbearing conditions was visually observed by creating three-dimensional bone models. At the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the proximal phalanges of the hallux valgus group showed significantly different displacements in multiple directions. Moreover, opposite responses to axial loading were also observed in both translation and rotation between the two groups. Interpretation Weightbearing caused deterioration of the hallux valgus deformity three-dimensionally at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Information from the computer image analysis was useful for understanding details of the pathology of foot disorders related to the deformities or instability and may contribute to the development of effective conservative and surgical treatments.

Background Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV )/clubfoot is the most common congenital orthopedic condition. The success rate of Ponseti casting in the hands of the legend himself is not 100%. The prediction of difficult to correct foot and recurrences still remains a mystery to be solved. We all know that tarsal bones are dysplastic in clubfoot and considering it; we hypothesize that the amount of tarsal dysplasia can predict management duration and outcome. In literature we were not able to find studies that satisfactorily quantify the amount of tarsal dysplasia. Hence, it was considered worthwhile to quantify the amount of dysplasia in tarsal bone and to correlate these parameters with the duration and outcome of treatment by conventional method. Methods A total of 25 infants with unilateral idiopathic clubfoot that have not taken any previous treatment were included in the study. An initial ultrasonography was done before start of treatment in 3 standard planes to measure the maximum length of 3 tarsal bones (talus, calcaneus, and navicular). Ponseti method of treatment was used; pirani scoring was done at each OPD (out patient department) visit. Number of casts required for complete correction and need for any surgical intervention were taken as the outcome parameters. Results We found that there is a significant correlation between number of casts required and the dysplasia of talus (α error=0.05). We also found a significant negative correlation between relative dysplasia of talus and number of casts required (r=-0.629 sig=0.001, r=-0.552 sig=0.004). Conclusions Tarsal bone dysplasia as quantified by using ultrasonography can be used as a prognostic indicator in congenital idiopathic clubfoot. Although promising the method needs further studies and can be more useful after long-term follow-up where recurrences if any can be documented. Level of evidence Level II.

Fractures of the central tarsal bone are a rarely recognized cause of acute severe hind limb lameness in nonracehorses. Diagnosis of these fractures can be challenging and little is known about their configuration or outcome. The objectives of this retrospective case series study were to describe the clinical features, imaging findings, and outcomes of fractures of the central tarsal bone in a sample of nonracehorses. Medical records from 2001 to 2014 were searched for cases of central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses. All available imaging findings including radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and/or nuclear scintigraphy were reviewed. History, clinical presentation, and outcome were collected from the records. Four horses met the inclusion criteria. All had a similar configuration as a simple nondisplaced slab fracture in a dorsomedial to plantarolateral orientation. Initial radiographs failed to reveal the fracture in three of four cases. When additional plantarolateral-dorsomedial oblique radiographic views were obtained, the fracture could be identified in all cases. Fractures of the central tarsal bone seemed to occur in a consistent dorsomedial to plantarolateral orientation in this sample of nonracehorses, which is different from the configuration previously reported in racehorses. While CT can be used for detection and assessment of these fractures, authors propose that radiography can also identify these fractures with the appropriate view. Authors recommend the use of several plantarolateral to dorsomedial radiographic projections at varying degrees of obliquity for horses with a suspected central tarsal bone fracture.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There are no reports on the configuration of equine central tarsal bone fractures based on cross-sectional imaging and clinical and radiographic long-term outcome after internal fixation. OBJECTIVES: To report clinical, radiographic and computed tomographic findings of equine central tarsal bone fractures and to evaluate the long-term outcome of internal fixation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: All horses diagnosed with a central tarsal bone fracture at our institution in 2009-2013 were included. Computed tomography and internal fixation using lag screw technique was performed in all patients. Medical records and diagnostic images were reviewed retrospectively. A clinical and radiographic follow-up examination was performed at least 1 year post operatively. RESULTS: A central tarsal bone fracture was diagnosed in 6 horses. Five were Warmbloods used for showjumping and one was a Quarter Horse used for reining. All horses had sagittal slab fractures that began dorsally, ran in a plantar or plantaromedial direction and exited the plantar cortex at the plantar or plantaromedial indentation of the central tarsal bone. Marked sclerosis of the central tarsal bone was diagnosed in all patients. At long-term follow-up, 5/6 horses were sound and used as intended although mild osteophyte formation at the distal intertarsal joint was commonly observed. CONCLUSIONS: Central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses had a distinct configuration but radiographically subtle additional fracture lines can occur. A chronic stress related aetiology seems likely. Internal fixation of these fractures based on an accurate diagnosis of the individual fracture configuration resulted in a very good prognosis.

Background: Lateral column lengthening (LCL) has been used for correction of flatfoot deformity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of LCL graft shape on tarsal bone position and talonavicular and subtalar joint pressure. Methods: A flatfoot model was created in 6 cadaveric specimens. Corrective LCL was performed using a rectangular graft or a trapezoidal graft with the broad surface oriented dorsally, laterally, or plantarly. Bony surface markers were digitized to calculate angular parameters used in the evaluation of flatfoot deformity. Contact pressure and area in the subtalar and talonavicular joints were also recorded. All measurements were carried out under multiple axial loads in the intact and flatfoot conditions, and following LCL with each graft shape. Results: Flatfoot creation resulted in significant changes in arch collapse and forefoot abduction. LCL with a rectangular graft best corrected these parameters, while a laterally oriented trapezoidal graft provided some correction. Talonavicular contact pressure was unchanged after flatfoot creation, and was significantly less than intact after LCL. Subtalar contact pressure decreased in some conditions after flatfoot creation, and decreased further after LCL. Conclusion: LCL with a rectangular graft best restored tarsal bone orientation in a cadaveric flatfoot model. The decreases in talonavicular pressure likely represent redistribution of force from the medial to lateral foot. Clinical Relevance: When performing LCL for flatfoot deformity, increased bone graft volume medially better restores tarsal bone position. One way of achieving this is through the use of a rectangular graft as opposed to a trapezoidal graft.

Summary This report describes the use of low-field standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and clinical decision making process in a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare with a comminuted central tarsal bone fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging in the standing horse was preferred over computed tomography examination under general anaesthesia because the animal had sustained the injury during a poor recovery from a previous general anaesthetic episode. Magnetic resonance imaging examination identified a comminuted central tarsal bone fracture with a configuration that was not identifiable with radiography. Due to extensive comminution of this fracture, conservative management was pursued. Standing low-field MRI examination enabled safe examination of this animal and provided useful diagnostic information whilst facilitating the clinical decision making process.

The clinical features, response to local analgesia, and imaging findings of two mature sport horses with lameness associated with abnormal mineralization of the dorsal aspect of the central tarsal bone and a small osseous cyst-like lesion are described. Although the radiological findings and the lesions identified using magnetic resonance imaging were similar, the lameness characteristics and responses to perineural analgesia differed. One horse failed to respond to treatment and was retired. The second horse was humanely destroyed. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of an osseous cyst-like lesion distal to the subchondral bone plate of the central tarsal bone and extensive dense cancellous bone extending one-half the dorsoplantar depth of the bone.

Summary A comminuted fracture of the central tarsal bone, fragmentation of the fourth tarsal bone and associated joint instability was diagnosed in a 14-year-old Sport Horse mare who presented for investigation of acute nonweightbearing hindlimb lameness. The mare responded well to conservative management and, unlike previously reported cases of similar injuries, returned to a similar level of athletic activity.

SummaryObjectives: To describe the use of closed reduction and minimally invasive fixation for treatment of a central tarsal bone luxation in a six-year-old spayed female, mixed breed dog with acute onset non-weight bearing right hindlimb lameness.Methods: Physical examination and tarsal radiographs resulted in a diagnosis of central tarsal bone luxation. Closed reduction and minimally invasive screw stabilization were performed with fluoroscopic guidance. External coaptation for six weeks was followed by a gradual return to full function.Results: Follow-up examination at 34 months post-surgery revealed the patient to be fully functional on the surgically repaired limb. Radiographs revealed ankylosis of the intertarsal joints.Clinical significance: Minimally invasive ankle surgery is commonly performed in humans but is uncommon in dogs. Based on the results of this single case, minimally invasive reduction and stabilization of central tarsal bone luxation is feasible.

Objective: To describe the signalment, morphology, response to treatment and prognosis of third tarsal bone fractures in the racing greyhound. Methods: All third tarsal bone fractures seen by the author over a ten year period were included in the study. Diagnosis was by radiography. Treatments were reconstruction with a lag screw, fragment removal, centrodistal joint arthrodesis or conservative management. Results: Twenty-three cases were included in the study of which 16 cases were recent and seven cases chronic fractures. The chronic cases had been rested from between three and six months before an examination for recurrent lameness. There were five concomitant second tarsal bone fractures. Partial dorsal collapse was present in four cases. Thirteen dogs had lag screw fixation; three were lost to follow-up, seven returned to racing and three, all with partial tarsal collapse, failed to return to racing. Two dogs that had a centrodistal joint arthrodesis and one dog treated by rest alone raced again. Two dogs that had fragment removal failed to return to racing. Clinical significance: Veterinary examination of greyhounds with third tarsal bone fractures is often not sought at the time of the initial injury due to the benign presenting signs. Recurrence of lameness after rest is common. The prognosis for a successful return to racing would appear to be good following fragment fixation in both acute and chronic cases without dorsal tarsal collapse. Centrodistal joint arthrodesis may encourage bone union. The prognosis for conconservatively treated cases is guarded. Fragment removal is not recommended as a treatment.

Summary It was hypothesised that imposition of different exercise levels at a young age would lead to differences in bone density in the third tarsal bone and to difference in the prevalence of pathological lesions that might contribute to the development of bone spavin later in life. Furthermore, based on earlier literature, it was hypothesised that such lesions could be classified as a manifestation of osteochondrosis. Changes in bone density in the third tarsal bone and early pathological changes in the articular cartilage of the distal intertarsal joint were studied in the offspring of sires with radiographic evidence of osteochondrosis in either stifle or hock. Twenty-four foals were studied at age 5 months after having been subjected to different exercise programmes (box-rest, box-rest with sprint training, pasture exercise) from age one week. Nineteen other foals that originally belonged to the same exercise groups were studied at age 11 months, after they had been weaned, housed together and subjected to an identical low level exercise regimen for an additional 6 months. Bone density was quantified using a microscopic technique. Histomorphological analysis was performed semiquantitatively and using high detail radiography techniques. At age 5 months, mean ± s.d. bone density in the compact bone of the third tarsal bone was significantly lower in the box-rested foals (37 ± 4%) than in both the trained and pastured foals (48 ± 7% and 52 ± 11%, respectively). After 6 months of identical exercise the previously box-rested foals showed an increase in bone density (53 ± 12%) which became similar to the value found in the formerly pastured foals (52 ± 8%). Major pathological lesions (chondrocyte necrosis, fragmentation and chondrone formation) of the articular cartilage of the third and central tarsal bones were already present at age 5 months, but were significantly more numerous at 11 months. There was no relation between the number of cartilage lesions and the osteochondrosis status of the foals. Only 2 lesions in 11-month-old foals had histological characteristics compatible with osteochondrosis, all other lesions were degenerative in nature. It is concluded that bone density of the compact bone of the subchondral bone plate in the third tarsal bone reacts strongly to variations in exercise at a very young age. Low bone density, caused by lack of exercise, can be compensated for when exercise is later increased. Pathological changes in the distal intertarsal joint are common at 5 months and increase to 11 months. These lesions are degenerative in nature and seem not to be related to osteochondrosis. Although the clinical relevance of these abnormalities is uncertain, they may be relevant for the development of osteoarthritic processes in this region later in life.

Reasons for performing the study A technique for minimally invasive repair of slab fractures of the third tarsal bone has not previously been reported. Results of third tarsal bone slab fracture repair in Thoroughbred racehorses are lacking. Objectives To report the outcomes of repair of uniplanar frontal slab factures of the third tarsal bone using a single 3.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Case records of horses that had undergone this procedure were reviewed. Results Seventeen horses underwent surgery. Eighteen percent of cases had wedge shaped third tarsal bones. A point midway between the long and lateral digital extensor tendons and centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints created a suitable entry site for implants. The fracture location, configuration and curvature of the third tarsal bone and associated joints requires a dorsolateral proximal-plantaromedial distal trajectory for the screw, which was determined by preplaced needles. There were no complications and fractures healed in all cases at 4-6 months post surgery. Seventy-nine percent of horses returned to racing and, at the time of reporting, 3 are in post operative rehabilitation programmes. Conclusion The technique reported provides a safe, appropriate and repeatable means of repairing slab fractures of the third tarsal bone. Surgical repair is a viable alternative to conservative management.

SummaryObjectives: To determine observer agreement on radiographic evaluation of central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures and compare this with evaluation of the same fractures using computed tomography (CT).Methods: Radiographs and CT scans were obtained of the right tarsi from limbs of Greyhounds euthanatized after sustaining severe CTB fracture during racing. Four observers described and classified each fracture. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were calculated.Results: Inter-observer agreement was higher for assessment of fractures using CT. Several fractures assessed by radiography were mis-classified as a less severe type. Intra-observer agreement for assessment and classification of CTB fractures via radiography versus CT was variable. Overall agreement among all four observers was higher for CT than radiography. Additionally, when identifying fractures of the adjacent tarsal bones, observer agreement was higher for CT than radiography.Clinical significance: Computed tomography improved observer ability to correctly evaluate CTB fracture and detect the degree of displacement and extent of any comminution. Identification of fractures of adjacent tarsal bones was also improved when tarsi were assessed using CT. These data suggest that treatment decisions based solely on radiographic assessment of CTB fractures may not produce the expected outcome.

Fracture of the plantar process of the central tarsal bone together with a dorsomedial displacement of the body of the bone was seen in six border collies. All injuries occurred during free exercise, with no extrinsic trauma. Three dogs had concomitant tarsal fractures. Primary treatment was by lag screwing the central tarsal bone to the fourth tarsal bone. All cases eventually made an excellent recovery. The superficial radiographic appearance was of a luxation of the bone as reported in a previous series, but appraisal of the radiographs showed evidence of fracture in all cases. A cadaver study to assess the mechanism of luxation showed that it is unlikely to occur naturally.

We describe a rare case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the cuneiform bone of the foot in a 57-year-old man. In the appendicular skeleton, epithelial carcinomas of bone are usually metastatic deposits, primary squamous cell carcinomas of bone being found more frequently in the skull. A review of the English literature revealed only two other reported cases of primary squamous cell carcinoma outside the skull--one in the ilium and one in the tibia. In our patient, extensive metastatic workup and monitoring during more than 2 years showed no primary focus, supporting the rare presentation of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of bone in the appendicular skeleton.

Objective—To determine clinical features of horses with a slab fracture of the central or third tarsal bone and to report outcome of horses in which treatment did not include surgery. Design—Retrospective study. Animals—25 horses (14 Standardbreds, 6 Thoroughbreds, 5 Quarter Horses). Procedure—Medical records of horses with a slab fracture of the central (n = 9) or third (16) tarsal bone were reviewed. Only horses for which treatment consisted of confinement to a stall were included in this study. Clinical features and radiographic findings were recorded and summarized. Outcome was determined for racing breeds by obtaining official lifetime race results. Outcome for Quarter Horses was determined by phone survey of the owners. Results—16 (64%) horses had a successful outcome. Ten of 14 (71%) Standardbreds and 2 of 6 Thoroughbreds returned to racing and started at least 5 races after injury. Four of 5 Quarter Horses for which follow-up information was available successfully returned to their previous activity. Sex, age, limb affected, or gait was not associated with final outcome. Percentage of racehorses with central tarsal bone fractures that had a successful outcome (2/7) was significantly less than percentage with third tarsal bone fractures that did (10/13). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that enforced rest without surgical fixation can be an effective therapeutic option for horses with a slab fracture of the central or third tarsal bone, even if athletic function is expected. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;216:1949–1954)

Twenty horses with central and third tarsal bone slab fractures, were treated by internal fixation. Eighteen of the 20 cases were Standardbred trotters, one was a Thoroughbred racehorse and one a Swedish Warmblood. The central tarsal bone (CT) was involved in 12 cases and the third tarsal bone (T3) in 8 cases. The fractures were treated by lag screw fixation with one (18 cases) or two (2 cases) 3.5 or 4.5 mm cortical screws. Horses were confined to stall rest for one month and then put on a gradually increasing exercise programme. Convalescence time was 3–8 months until the fracture had healed and training could be resumed. Fifteen of the horses regained athletic soundness. Thirteen of the horses (72%) raced after surgery (12 Standardbreds and 1 Thoroughbred). Nine (69%) of these 13 horses won races after surgery.

Objectives.The aim of the present study was to design an easy-to-use tool, the tarsal bone test (TBT), to provide a snapshot of podiatry students’ basic anatomical knowledge of the bones of the lower limb.Methods.The study included 254 podiatry students from three different universities, 145 of them were first-year students and 109 were in their fourth and final years. The TBT was administered without prior notice to the participants and was to be completed in 5 minutes.Results.The results show that 97.2% of the subjects(n=247)correctly labelled all tarsal bones, while the other 2.8%(n=7)incorrectly labelled at least one bone, that was either the cuboid (7 times) or the navicular (6 times). Although only one fourth-year student inaccurately identified one bone, no significant differences in the distribution of the correct and incorrect responses were found between first and fourth-year students.Conclusions.The TBT seems to be a straightforward and easy-to-apply instrument, and provides an objective view of the level of knowledge acquired at different stages of podiatry studies.

The case records of eight greyhounds that had undergone a surgical repair of either a type III or type IV fractured central tarsal bone were reviewed. In some cases difficulties were encountered which resulted in less than ideal fixation methods being used, but the fractures healed satisfactorily by intertarsal ankylosis and were radiographically complete after four to six months. For a successful outcome it was not necessary to preserve functional intertarsal joints by interfragmentary reconstruction and compression. The absence of dorsal slab fixation, poor dorsal screw positioning, or loss of the dorsal fragment, had no influence on the results. It took from six months to one year for the dogs to return to racing.

SummaryTwo adult female Dalmatians had type III fractures of the left central tarsal bone. In one the fracture occurred during strenuous exercise, while the cause was not identified in the other dog. Open reduction and internal fixation of a large medial bone fragment was achieved with a medial-lateral directed lag screw into the fourth tarsal bone. A 2.7 mm cortical screw was used in one animal and a 4.0 mm partially threaded cancellous screw in the other. At follow-up examination both dogs were free from lameness.Central tarsal bone fractures were repaired using lag screw fixation in two Dalmatians. Other than in racing greyhounds, this fracture is rare in dogs.

To determine whether left-to-right asymmetry of the central tarsal bone (CTB) of racing greyhounds was detectable using computed tomography (CT) in live dogs; to quantify the asymmetry in terms of average bone volume, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and dorsal cortical shape, and to determine if age, gender, bodyweight, number of starts or history of tarsal injury were significant covariates.One trainer supplied 11 male and seven female, unrelated, skeletally mature, actively racing greyhounds, including dogs with a history of tarsal injury diagnosed by the trainer and/or track veterinarian (n=8), and dogs without a history of tarsal injury (n=10). Using CT, standardised parameters of the CTB were measured including volume and average vBMD of the left and right CTB, vBMD of regions within the CTB, and bone shape.There was no difference in the volumes of the left and right CTB and no association with number of racing starts. Volume of CTB in dogs with a history of tarsal injury was greater than in dogs with no history of injury (p0.001). Mean vBMD of the right was greater than the left CTB (p=0.004), and was independent of history of injury, gender, bodyweight, and number of starts. Males with a history of injury weighed more than those with no history of injury (p=0.004). The region of greatest difference in vBMD between right and left limbs was the centrodorsomedial aspect of the CTB. Middle plantar ligament enthesiopathies and fractures of tarsal bones other than the central tarsal bone were identified in dogs with and without a history of tarsal injury.Significant left-to-right asymmetry of the CTB in racing greyhounds was detected using CT. Contrary to previous suggestions, the asymmetry was not associated with the number of racing starts. We propose that the majority of the adaptive modelling of the CTB occurred rapidly following the onset of counter-clockwise training, with little further modelling throughout the racing career of the dog, however further investigation is warranted.This study described a technique using CT for imaging the CTB in live dogs, which opens the way for a longitudinal study of bone modelling of the CTB in response to training and racing in a counter-clockwise direction.

SummaryEach of three adult crossbreed dogs suffered a hock injury during regular exercise. A non-weight-bearing lameness and a soft tissue swelling around the tarsus were present in all of them. Additionally dog # 1 on palpation of the calcaneus region exhibited crepitous. Radiographs showed luxation of the central tarsal bone in all three of the animals. Dog # 1 also had a fracture of the calcaneus. Surgical treatment was performed on all of the cases, via a medial surgical approach. The luxated bone was repositioned and attached to the adjacent 4th tarsal bone with a 3.5 mm countersunk lag-screw. The fracture of the calcaneus was stabilized with a 2.7 mm five hole AO-plate. Postoperatively the injured limbs were immobilized with a cast for four to six weeks and exercise was restricted. After cast removal, all of the dogs received physiotherapy. All three hocks regained full function and owners reported normal activity.The successful treatment of central tarsal bone luxation in three non-racing dogs is reported.

Pregnant mice of the Jcl: ICR strain were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 5 mg/kg of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) on dg 10.5. Skeletal changes of the forepaw and hindpaw were evaluated in the offspring on the 15th or 24th postnatal day. Various anomalies of carpal and tarsal bones such as fusion, absence, and deformation occurred at high incidence at a dose that produced digital anomalies. Almost all newborns with Ara-C-induced digital anomalies (oligodactyly or polydactyly) had anomalies of carpal or tarsal bones in the particular paw, while anomalies of carpal or tarsal bones could occur in the presence or absence of digital anomalies. Carpal and tarsal bone anomalies may become a sensitive and novel parameter of limb development in the postnatal teratogen testing system.

TARSAL injuries, and in particular, central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures, are well described and have been the subject of considerable investigation, especially in racing greyhounds (Devas 1961, Boudrieau and others 1984, Ost and others 1987, Muir and others 1999, Guilliard 2000, Johnson and others 2000, Tomlin and others 2000, Usherwood and Wilson 2005, Piras and Johnson 2006, Bergh 2008, Jones 2009). In total, the CTBs of 277 greyhounds were the subject of nine studies, and approximately 400 greyhounds with hock/CTB fractures were reported to have been successfully brought back to their racing performance (Jones 2009). In contrast, CTB fracture-luxation is only infrequently described in other breeds, and the number of dogs reported in each breed is very small: seven border collies (Lorinson and Grosslinger 2001, Guilliard 2007), two dalmatians (Hay and others 1995), two hovawarts (Lorinson and Grosslinger 2001), one Australian shepherd dog (Harasen 1999), one basset hound (Gitz 1988) and one whippet (Vaughan 1987). Usually, CTB fractures are associated with the body of this bone and are classified into five types (Boudrieau and others 1984). There are very few reports on fractures of the plantar process of the CTB (PPCTB) (Guilliard 2007, Harasen 1999, Piermattei and others 2006). A possible explanation is the location of the PPCTB, which makes radiographic interpretation a challenging task due to the superimposition of multiple bony structures (Eichenholtz and Levine 1964, Popesko 1979, Gielen and others 2001 …

The greyhound is a fatigue fracture model of a short distance running athlete. Greyhounds have a high incidence of central (navicular) tarsal bone (CTB) fractures, which are not associated with overt trauma. We wished to determine whether these fractures occur because of accumulation of fatigue microdamage. We hypothesized that bone from racing dogs would show site-specific microdamage accumulation, causing predisposition to structural failure. We performed a fractographic examination of failure surfaces from fractured bones using scanning electron microscopy and assessed microcracking observed at the failure surface using a visual analog scale. Branching arrays of microcracks were seen in failure surfaces of CTB and adjacent tarsal bones, suggestive of compressive fatigue failure. Branching arrays of microcracks were particularly prevalent in remodeled trabecular bone that had become compact. CTB fractures showed increased microdamage when compared with other in vivo fractures (adjacent tarsal bone and long bone fractures), and ex vivo tarsal fractures induced by monotonic loading (P < 0.02). It was concluded that greyhound racing and training often results in CTB structural failure, because of accumulation and coalescence of branching arrays of fatigue microcracks, the formation of which appears to be predisposed to adapted bone.

Pregnant mice were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 5 mg/kg of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) on different gestational days (dg 9–12). On the 15th postnatal day, skeletal anomalies of the paws were examined, and associations between carpal and tarsal bone anomalies and digit anomalies were assessed. The types of carpal and tarsal bone anomalies differed according to the time of exposure to Ara-C during pregnancy. It was also found that the “critical period” for the carpal and tarsal bones is wider than that of the digits. The occurrence of anomalies of phalangeal and metacarpal/metatarsal bones was always associated with carpal or tarsal bone anomalies, although some carpal and tarsal bone anomalies occurred alone. It may be that the Ara-C threshold is considerably lower in the carpal and tarsal bones than in the digits.

Anecdotal evidence suggested that many cases of third tarsal bone (T3) fracture encountered clinically were associated with an abnormal shape to this bone. The radiographs of 10 normal horses and 10 horses affected with slab fracture of T3 were therefore examined to ascertain if any pre-existent radiological abnormality was present in cases of fracture. Measurement of the maximum and minimum width between the proximal and distal articular surfaces of the dorsolateral aspect of this bone was carried out on a standardised dorso-50 degrees medial-palmarolateral radiographic projection of the tarsus of each horse. To avoid artefacts produced by possible image magnification, ratios of these values were used for comparison between horses. The results showed that wedge shaped conformation of T3, in which the articular surfaces of the bone converge and then diverge again on the dorsolateral aspect, was over-represented in the population of horses sustaining T3 fracture when compared to controls. This information may be important in making judgements on the suitability of horses during prepurchase examination for racing.

Summary A 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly presented to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California at Davis for whole body nuclear scintigraphic evaluation after an acute onset of nonweightbearing right hindlimb lameness post race. The use of computed tomography (CT) enabled visualisation of additional pathology that was not initially appreciable using combined imaging modalities of nuclear scintigraphy and digital radiography, which ultimately altered the selected course of treatment. Computed tomography in horses with fractures of the cuboidal bones of the hock can provide valuable additional information regarding fracture configuration and radiographically occult pathology, which may help to guide clinical decisions about treatment.

Talus tuberculosis is a rare disease, even in an endemic tuberculosis area. In reviews of the worldwide literature, only 18 cases of talus tuberculosis have been reported. Recently, we experienced a case of a 70-year-old polycythemia vera patient with right metatarsopharyngeal joint pain for 2 months duration who was diagnosed with talus tuberculosis with prostate involvement. Tuberculosis should be considered as one of the causes of monoarticulitis, especially in countries, where the disease is endemic. Additionally, we highly recommend taking a biopsy of the site of suspected infection because an early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

Osteoarticular tuberculosis is a rare condition and it makes up 1-3% of all cases of tuberculosis. It usually occurs at the vertebra and it is common knowledge that tuberculous osteomyelitis is very rare at the foot. The clinical symptoms are nonspecific, and it can also mimic a wide range of pathologies, so it takes a lot of time to diagnosis and treat this illness. When osteoarticular tuberculosis is diagnosed, it should be gone through side to side with thorough debridement and chemotherapy. The author has experience 2 case of tuberculous osteomyelitis, so I report here on the diagnosis and treatment of this illness.

The diagnosis and treatment of two cases of osteochondritis dissecans affecting the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the tibial tarsal bone is described. Radiographs taken in medio‐lateral and oblique projections proved to be the most valuable for diagnosis. The lesions were treated surgically via a limited cranio‐lateral approach. The lameness improved following surgery. Copyright

1. Tarsal bone disintegration is a progressive disorder that affects a high proportion of leprosy patients. 2. Early detection and treatment by immobilisation permit healing with minimal deformity or disability. 3. Feet with advanced lesions can be similarly treated with a satisfactory outcome and amputation is not needed.

Osteochondrosis of the third cuneiform bone is one of the rare disorders. A 4-year-old boy with left Perthes' disease treated by Pogo-Stick brace complained right foot pain and X-ray revealed the characteristic change of osteochondrosis of the third cuneiform bone. There have been many reports about the etiology of osteochondrosis. This case suggested a constitutional disposition as the cause of osteochondrosis.

Fracture of the tibial tarsal bone was encountered in two dogs. In one case, coaptation in flexion resulted in joint stiffness and persistent lameness. In the other, open reduction and transverse pinning of each fragment to the adjacent fibular tarsal bone was followed by uncomplicated healing and normal function of the tarsus. Resume. On a rencontre, chez deux chiens, un cas de fracture de l'os tibiotarsien. Dans un cas, la coaptation de flexion a resulte en raidure de l'articulation et en claudication persistante. Dans l'autre cas, une reduction ouverte et un epinglage transversal de chaque fragment a l'os adjacent peroneotarsien e ete suivi d'une guerison sans complications et d'un fonctionnement normal du tarse. Zusammenfassung. Bruch des Schienbien-Fusswurzel Knochens kamen in zwei Hunden vor. In einem Fall hatte das Aufeinanderpassen in Biegung Gelenksteifheit und anhaltende Lahmheit zur Folge. In dem anderen folgte blutigem Knochenbruchreposition und querlaufencer Nage-lung von jedem Fragment an den benachbarten Wadenbein-Fusswurzel Knochen, eine unkom-plizierte Heilung und Normale Funktion des Tarsus.

The clinical histories of nineteen cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the medial ridge of the tibial tarsal bone are described. The clinical signs were lameness and a reduced range of joint flexion. Radiography demonstrated changes over the medial ridge of the tibial tarsal bone. Untreated cases remained lame and the rapid development of degenerative joint changes was noted. Cases treated promptly by arthrotomy, removal of the detached flap of cartilage and curettage made a quick and permanent recovery. Access to the lesion was gained by a postero-medial approach.

Both calcaneal and central tarsal bone fractures are commonly encountered in the racing greyhound. While isolated fractures of the numbered tarsal bones are uncommon, malleolar fractures are encountered frequently in small animal practice. Fractures of the central tarsal bone or calcaneal fractures in both dogs and cats may be either fatigue or stress fractures, or associated with Knees and Teeth Syndrome, which may alter the typically expected presentation and prompt assessment for additional fractures, both in the tarsus and elsewhere. Surgical stabilisation is often the treatment of choice, particularly for fractures with an articular component. In many cases, surgical stabilisation leads to a positive outcome, with Greyhounds often being able to return to racing. However, it is important to be aware that fractures in non-racing dogs tend to be more complex and that this good prognosis may not be appropriate to extrapolate. Depending on the nature and severity of injuries, joint preservation may not always be a realistic goal. If the joint cannot be preserved, arthrodesis may become necessary.

A case of a rare giant cell lesion of a tarsal bone, giant cell reparative granuloma, is presented with CT correlation. CT is useful in pre-operative management both in defining the extent of involvement of adjacent structures and demonstrating soft tissue abnormality.