Results of extra-articular stabilisation following open reduction of coxofemoral luxation in dogs and cats

This report describes 14 dogs (mean age six years, mean bodyweight 25 kg) and three cats (mean age 9-3 years, mean bodyweight 6–7 kg) with coxofemoral luxations of one to 91 days duration (median four days). In 47 per cent of the cases concomitant fractures or luxations (including three bilateral luxations) were present. Closed reduction was immediately unsuccessful in five cases and eventually unsuccessful in seven cases, whereas in five cases the nature of the additional trauma required surgical intervention. Via a craniolateral approach to the hip joint, combined with trochanter osteotomy in 24 per cent of the cases, the luxation was reduced and remnants of the capsule were sutured in 82 per cent of the cases. In all cases an extra-articular iliofemoral suture band was applied to limit the range of motion of the femoral head. The technique is described and illustrated in detail. The success rate proved to be strongly related to the suture material and varied from excellent to poor. This extra-articular stabilisation technique had excellent results in acute and chronic coxofemoral luxations in dogs when multifilamentous non-absorbable material was used, even when no additional non-weightbearing sling was used.