title: Reduction and stabilization of hip luxation by the transposition of the ligamentum sacrotuberale in dogs: an in vivo study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of transposition of the sacrotuberous ligament (LST) for the treatment of coxofemoral luxation in the dog.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vivo experimental study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten mixed-breed dogs (weighing 12 to 26 kg).
  
  
  METHODS
  After general anesthesia, the LST was exposed and released from the sacrum with a sacral bone fragment. Coxofemoral luxation was created by capsulotomy and transection of the ligament of the head of the femur. Suture was passed through 2 small holes in the bone fragment to guide transposition of the LST through a tunnel drilled through the acetabulum and femoral head and neck. The suture material was pulled tight and an interference screw was placed into the femoral tunnel to lock the sacral bone fragment and LST securely in the tunnel. Butorphanol was administered for pain relief and dogs were allowed unrestricted activity. Coxofemoral radiographs were obtained at 15-day intervals. Two dogs were euthanatized for macroscopic and histopathologic examinations at 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Release of the sacral bone was moderately difficult. The transposed ligament and bone fragment were of an appropriate length and were easily and securely fixed by a interference screw method. Visible severe lameness, during the first 7 to 10 days improved to mild lameness within 10 to 21 days. Gait was subjectively normal after 5 weeks. No radiographic abnormalities were observed at any time point. Grossly, the LST was intact and apparently viable and functional. On histopathology, the space in the bone tunnel was filled with new tissue and a hyaline-like layer surrounded the LST. The sacral bone fragment attached to the LST was united with the femoral bone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transposition of the LST reduced and stabilized experimentally induced coxofemoral luxation in 10 dogs. Survival of the LST up to 3 months and its adaptation to transposition suggest that this surgical technique could be considered as a permanent treatment option for hip luxations. Transposition and fixation of the LST was easy, but releasing the sacral edge of the LST was difficult because of its deep location and division of the origin into 2 branches in some dogs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this experimental study suggest that the technique may be satisfactorily used in dogs with coxofemoral luxation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey.
authors.forename: Isa
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ozaydin
authors.forename: Engin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kiliç
authors.forename: Vedat
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Baran
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Demirkan
authors.forename: Alkan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kamiloglu
authors.forename: Sevil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vural
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary