08/01/2026
Tarsal hyperextension injuries occur when the strong supporting ligaments behind the ankle are severely torn. Unfortunately, simply repairing these damaged ligaments often does not provide reliable long-term stability. The more dependable solution is usually a partial or complete tarsal arthrodesis, where the unstable joints are permanently fused to create a strong, pain-free, functional limb. In this older dog, we performed a partial tarsal arthrodesis. These procedures can sometimes be more challenging as the bones are small, the anatomy is complex, and success depends on meticulous joint preparation, precise alignment, and very stable implant placement.