Ventral approach for the placement of a toggle rod in two dogs with caudoventral hip luxation

Authors: Cleland NT, Delisser P, Cook D
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 49, Issue 4, pp 92-98, Dec 2019
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Dog
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Clinical examination, Joint/arthrology, Surgery
Article class: Clinical Report

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Abstract:

CASE REPORTS: Two dogs presented for lameness associated with recurrent caudoventral coxofemoral luxation that had failed to respond to multiple attempts at conservative management. A ventral approach to the coxofemoral joint was used to assess the joint capsule, transverse acetabular ligament and ligament of the head of the femur. In both cases the joint capsule and ligament of the head of the femur were deficient but the femoral head would luxate over, rather than through the transverse acetabular ligament. A toggle rod was applied via a ventral approach, using the same landmarks described for its application via the dorsal approach, together with a capsulorrhaphy.

OUTCOMES: Both dogs had good functional outcomes at 8 weeks and 6-7 months postoperatively. Coxofemoral extension was mildly decreased. Radiographs showed mild enlargement of the femoral bone tunnel and but no progressive degenerative changes of the coxofemoral joint.

CONCLUSION: The ventral approach to the coxofemoral joint can be used for assessment and subsequent toggle rod stabilisation after caudoventral coxofemoral luxation.

KEYWORDS: coxofemoral; luxation; toggle rod; caudoventral; joint surgery; orthopaedic

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