Uso de enxerto autógeno de fáscia lata no tratamento de defeito segmentar crônico do tendão calcâneo comum em felino doméstico / Use of autogenous fascia lata graft in the treatment of chronic segmental defect of the common calcaneus tendon in domestic feline

ABSTRACT

Background: The common calcaneus tendon is formed by the common tendon of the femoral biceps muscle, tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle and gastrocnemius muscle tendon, and its rupture is related to acute traumas in small animals. Among some applications described, surgical repair can be adopted in the correction of tendon ruptures and the use of grafts may be indicated in some severe lesions, where it is not possible to perform tenorrhaphy. This study aims to report the case of a feline with rupture of the common calcaneus tendon in which the tenorrafia associated with the autogenous fascia lata graft was performed as adjuvant to the cicatrization of the same.Case A 24-month-old, undefined male feline with approximately 3 kg was treated at the FCAV Veterinary Hospital, UNESP Jaboticabal, State of São Paulo, Brazil, with a history of falling, for approximately two weeks, and has since plantigrade posture. Upon physical examination, it was possible to identify a discontinuity of the common calcaneus tendon. The radiographs were performed, which did not show any bone changes. A hemogram and biochemical profile were performed, which were within normal limits. The patient underwent surgery, and a complete lesion of the common calcaneus tendon was identified, with a chronic aspect. Approximation of the stumps was impossible, so a flap of fascia lata, about two centimeters long and one centimeter wide, was removed, which was used as a bed and tendon support for tendon growth. After removal all of the present fibrosis, the tendon stumps were approximated by means of modified Kessler suture with mononylon thread, and fascia lata flap of the ipsilateral limb was sutured with separate single points in both tendon ends and in their lateral and medial portion. In the tibiotarsic joint, the external skeletal fixator type II was used for immobilization, during a period of 30 days.[...]