Relationships between results of the Ortolani method of hip joint palpation and distraction index, Norberg angle, and hip score in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether results of the Ortolani method of hip joint palpation in dogs were related to distraction index (DI), Norberg angle, or radiographic hip score.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
459 clinically normal dogs.


METHODS
Dogs were sedated for radiography and palpation of the hip joints. Results of hip joint palpation were classified as negative, mild positive, moderate positive, or severe positive. Distraction indices were measured for all dogs. Norberg angles were measured for 380 dogs for which ventrodorsal hip-extended radiographic projections were available. Hip scores assigned by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) were available for 95 dogs.


RESULTS
Age, weight, and sex were not significantly associated with results of hip joint palpation. There was moderate correlation between results of hip joint palpation and DI (r = 0.636), low-moderate correlation between results of hip joint palpation and OFA hip scores (rs = 0.437), and weak negative correlation (r = -0.236) between results of hip joint palpation and Norberg angle. For joints without degenerative joint disease (DJD), there was a significant linear relationship between results of hip palpation and DI; however, for joint with DJD, there was not. Results of hip joint palpation were 5.3-fold as likely to be negative for dogs with DJD as for dogs without.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of hip joint palpation were at best moderately correlated with radiographic measures of hip joint laxity. Therefore, hip joint palpation should be combined with hip-extended and stress radiography when assessing hip joint quality.
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
D A
DA
Puerto
G K
GK
Smith
T P
TP
Gregor
E
E
LaFond
M G
MG
Conzemius
L W
LW
Cabell
P J
PJ
McKelvie
D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010173:Palpation / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography