Dislocated Hip By Clare Hislop BVSc Vetlife Alexandra The anatomy of our pets hip joints is similar to ours. The ball-and socket joint is formed when the femoral-head, at the end of the femur (thigh bone) sits deeply into the cup-shaped socket (acetabulum) in the pelvic bones. The femur is held in place by a thick ligament within the joint and the joint capsule. This is an efficient and stable joint, capable of moving in a wide range of directions. Dislocation occurs as a result of fractures through the end of the femur or surrounding pelvis, or when the ligament on the femoral head is ruptured. Blunt force trauma is the usual cause; often as a result of being hit by a car or from a fall when exercising vigorously. Dogs with poorly developed hip joints (e.g. with Hip Dysplasia) can suffer a dislocation more easily. In most cases the femur displaces forward out of the joint causing sudden pain and limited use of the leg. The leg appears shorter and is usually carried with the knee out and the lower limb tucked under the body. Some dogs will still weight-bear, but there will be an obvious limp. Diagnosis is often suspected based on the history, clinical signs and relative position of some boney landmarks around the hips. X-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis, locate the direction of displacement and check for any associated fractures. If there are no complicating fractures replacement of the hip will be attempted as soon as possible, under general anaesthetic. Failure rates after a single replacement are as high as 65%. Chances of success reduce if more than a day or two has passed since the injury, there is blood-clot or tissue in the joint or if there are other injuries. Surgical techniques to help keep the hip in place are used in unstable hips, with fractures in the femoral head area or if the hip keeps dislocating after replacement. Stitches can be placed in the joint-capsule, screws and wires used or toggles to hold the leg into the joint. Fractures in the end of the femur need to be repaired. ***Photo*** Following replacement or surgery, the leg will be supported in a figure-of eight bandage for 7-10 days, followed by gradual return to exercise over the next few weeks. Dogs can expect to return to their usual activity and abilities after the repair has healed. In cases where surgery is not an option it is possible to remove the head of the femur and allow a false-joint to develop, with the support of the surrounding large muscle masses. Although the leg will be slightly shorter, this produces good results, especially in cats/ small dogs, or less active larger dogs.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 04:09:08 +0000
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