Hip joint dorso-lateral luxation

Clover was presented to Dr Pierre Barreau with chronic right hip joint dorso-lateral luxation, which happened after a fight with another dog approximately 3 weeks ago.

Pierre advised a surgical procedure should be performed to prevent the hip from luxating.

RVN Charlie scrubbed in to assist Dr Pierre during surgery. Lots of debris and fibrous tissue were present in the acetabulum which was debrided and cleaned. No fracture was present on the femoral head, the cartilage of the head and acetabulum looked healthy. A tight rope prosthesis was applied to reduce and stabilize the joint. A bone tunnel was performed in the acetabulum and in the femoral head and neck at the location of the insertion of the round ligament. The prosthesis was introduced in the bone tunnel, stabilized behind the acetabulum with its steel staple and with its button on the greater trochanter of the femur.

Stability of the joint was assessed. The damaged and ruptured joint capsule could not be reconstructed.

Clover will need to be rested for 6 to 8 weeks, but a full recovery is expected.

Images:

1&2: Tight rope being placed.

3: Tight rope in place on a radiograph.