Calcaneotibial screws for immobilisation of the tarsocrural joint of dogs in extension: effect of the angle of screw placement on the force to failure in a canine cadaveric model.

A temporary calcaneotibial screw is a common method of immobilising the tarsus in extension to protect primary repair of a common calcaneal tendon injury. Placing a calcaneotibial screw perpendicular to the calcaneus may be a more reliable option for immobilisation of the tarsus to protect a common calcaneal tendon repair compared to screws placed perpendicular to the tibia. However extrapolation of these results into a clinical setting requires caution.