ABSTRACT
In this dog the screw was placed in lag fashion to compress the arthrodesis site. The Stein mann pins were placed as adjunctive fixation to counteract rotational and bending forces. The limb was also placed in a cast for eight weeks following surgery. Failure of fixa tion as has occurred in this dog is common following talocrural arthrodesis. Poor owner compliance may be a factor in some cases; however, most implant complications have been attributed to inadequate fixation. Implants can only withstand loading for a finite period of time. Arthrodesis must be achieved as quickly as possible to reduce stress on the implants. Cancellous bone grafting accelerates union, thereby decreasing stress on the implants. Micromotion and chronic stresses can persist even after union and probably caused late screw loosening in this dog.
