Reconstruction of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon with a fascia lata autograft in two dogs with carpal hyperextension.

OBJECTIVE To describe the outcome of two dogs treated with fascia lata autografts to repair carpal hyperextension caused by flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) tendon injury. ANIMALS Two dogs with traumatic carpal hyperextension. STUDY DESIGN Case report. METHODS Radiographic abnormalities were detected in the antebrachiocarpal joint of each dog. Damage to the FCU tendon were located at the ulnar head on ultrasonographic and intraoperative examinations. Each injured tendon was reconstructed with a fascia lata graft. The radius and metacarpal bones were immobilized by a type I external skeletal fixation for 6 weeks. RESULTS No difference was detected between the operated and contralateral limbs on postoperative examination, including range of motion, and angles of the carpus during standing or extension stress. No recurrence of carpal hyperextension was observed over 36 months after surgery. CONCLUSION Carpal hyperextension was successfully treated by primary repair of the damaged area and reinforcement with fascia lata and maintained long-term joint mobility in two dogs.