Distal limb injury: The hind-limb (Proceedings) Orthopedic
injuries to the distal limb may affect tendons, ligaments,
bones, or articular structures. Common distal injuries of the
hindlimb in small animals include calcanean tendon disruption,
plantar ligament rupture, fractures of the calcaneus, malleolar
fractures, collateral ligament rupture and shearing wounds. A
less common injury is luxation of the superficial digital flexor
tendon. Injury to the Common Calcanean Tendon Dysfunction of the
common calcanean tendon can occur by rupture or avulsion of the
gastrocnemius muscle proximally, laceration or rupture along the
tendon, or avulsion of the tendinous insertion on the calcaneus.
Avulsion of the distal insertion of the gastrocnemius is the
most common presentation. The common calcanean tendon is
composed of 3 major groups. The gastrocnemius muscle originates
on the distal femur and is the most significant portion of the
common calcanean tendon. The gastrocnemius tendon attaches
laterally on the calcaneus.