Ligament reconstruction in tarsocrural luxation

Tarsocrural Luxation Repair at MaxPetZ: Restoring Stability to Your Pet’s Hock Joint

Understanding Tarsocrural (Hock) Luxation

The tarsocrural joint—commonly called the hock—is a major hinge joint in your pet’s hind leg. It plays an important role in balance, standing, walking, and jumping. Sometimes, due to trauma such as slipping, getting hit by a car, or a severe twisting injury, the collateral ligaments that stabilize this joint can tear completely. When this happens, the joint becomes unstable and may bend inward (medially) or outward (laterally). This injury is called a tarsocrural luxation or subluxation.

Because the ligaments can’t heal well on their own and instability leads to long-term arthritis, surgery is required to restore comfort and normal function.

Why Surgery Is Needed

The collateral ligaments have two parts—one tight in flexion and one tight in extension. Both must work together to keep the joint stable. When one or both are torn, the joint wobbles, shifts, and becomes painful.

Without surgical repair:

• The hock cannot bear weight normally

• The joint collapses or rotates

• Long-term degenerative joint disease (arthritis) develops

• Walking becomes difficult or impossible

Even the best bandages cannot restore stability. Surgery is the only reliable way to repair these ligaments and protect your pet’s long-term mobility.

How the Surgery Works

During surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will:

1. Repair or Reconstruct the Ligaments

If the ligament ends can be sutured, they are repaired directly.
However, in many cases—especially after high-impact trauma—the ligament must be reconstructed or replaced using:

• Heavy braided polyester (synthetic ligament material)

• High-strength nylon

• Bone screws or soft-tissue anchors to secure the graft

The goal is to recreate both the long and short sections of the collateral ligament so the joint stays stable whether flexed or extended.

2. Provide Temporary Joint Support

After the ligament repair, the joint must be protected.
The most effective method is a transarticular external skeletal fixator (TESF)—a rigid external frame that keeps the joint still while the ligament heals.
Some pets may also receive a splint or cast for additional protection.

This support typically stays in place for 6–8 weeks.

Recovery and Healing

Successful healing depends heavily on careful at-home management.

Activity Restriction

• Strict rest for 6–8 weeks

• Crate or small-room confinement

• Short, leash-only walks for toileting

• No running, jumping, or rough play

Wound Care

Check the incision twice daily for swelling, redness, or discharge.
A recovery collar (cone) must be worn to prevent licking.

Rehabilitation

After the external support is removed:

• Gentle exercises

• Gradual increase in walking

• Hydrotherapy (swimming or underwater treadmill)

Rehabilitation usually begins 10–12 weeks after surgery.

Long-Term Outlook

Most pets regain good function after ligament reconstruction and proper rehabilitation. Some degree of arthritis may still develop, but early surgical repair greatly reduces long-term discomfort. With attentive postoperative care, most dogs return to comfortable daily activity.

At MaxPetZ, our goal is to restore stability, reduce pain, and protect your pet’s mobility for the long term.

FAQ: Tarsocrural Luxation Repair

1. How do I know if my pet has a hock luxation?

You may notice the foot bending inward or outward, sudden limping, severe pain, or refusal to bear weight. Diagnosis requires X-rays and joint manipulation under sedation.

2. Why can’t this injury be treated with a cast or splint?

The torn ligaments cannot heal in the correct position with bandages alone. Without surgery, the joint remains unstable and becomes arthritic.

3. What exactly is being repaired during surgery?

The surgeon repairs or reconstructs the collateral ligaments, which are the main stabilizers of the hock joint. Synthetic ligament material may be used if the natural tissue cannot be repaired.

4. Will my pet have a frame or cast on the leg after surgery?

Most pets require a temporary external skeletal fixator (TESF) to keep the joint still. This stays on for 6–8 weeks and is removed once healing has progressed.

5. How long is recovery?

Total healing takes 8–12 weeks. Strict rest is needed early, followed by gradual, supervised rehabilitation.

6. Will my pet walk normally again?

Most pets regain good to excellent function, especially when surgery is performed early and activity restrictions are followed carefully.

7. Will my pet develop arthritis?

Some arthritis is expected over time, but surgical repair greatly reduces the severity and preserves long-term comfort.

8. What complications should I watch for?

Contact your veterinarian if you see swelling, discharge, odor, or if your pet stops using the leg suddenly.