Extra-articular absorbable suture stabilization of coxofemoral luxation in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of an extra-articular surgical technique using absorbable suture material for the stabilization of traumatic coxofemoral luxation in dogs.


METHODS
Prospective, clinical study.


METHODS
Fourteen client-owned dogs with recent and long-standing traumatic coxofemoral luxation (13 craniodorsal and 1 ventral).


METHODS
Coxofemoral luxations were surgically reduced and maintained in place with an extra-articular iliofemoral multifilamentous absorbable suture (3 to 6 strands of 2 USP Polyglactin 910). No external support was employed, and all the dogs were encouraged to use the affected limb postoperatively. The average time of clinical and radiographic follow-up was 11.6 +/- 6.3 months (from 2 to 22 months).


RESULTS
During the follow-up period, no reluxations occurred and no complications associated with the surgical technique were identified. The dogs started bearing weight from 1 to 10 days after the surgery (mean, 4.3 +/- 2.9 days) and the period of lameness ranged from 7 to 30 days (20 +/- 8.6 days). At the final clinical examination, the dogs did not demonstrate any lameness or pain during passive flexo-extension movements, and there was no significant limitation of the range of motion.


CONCLUSIONS
Extra-articular stabilization with multifilamentous absorbable sutures is a simple, effective method of treatment for acute and chronic coxofemoral luxation. The absorbable material used is strong enough to maintain articular stability during the period of scar tissue formation even in large-breed dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Absorbable sutures avoid the possible complications related to the use of nonabsorbable material and seem to be sufficient to maintain articular stability during the capsular healing process.
Martini
F M
FM
Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, Italy.
Simonazzi
B
B
Del Bue
M
M
D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D013537:Sutures