Hip toggle stabilization using the TightRope® system in 17 dogs: technique and long-term outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the technique for, and long-term clinical outcome of, a modified hip toggle stabilization using the TightRope® system for coxofemoral luxation repair.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Medical records (July 2008-July 2010) including radiographs (17 limbs) of dogs that had coxofemoral luxation repaired with the TightRope system were reviewed. Follow-up (≥12 months) was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Six dogs were available for re-evaluation, radiographs, and objective gait analysis.


RESULTS
Follow-up (mean, 24 months; range, 12-43 months) by telephone interview was available for 17 dogs. Of these, 6 dogs were re-evaluated (mean, 7.5 months; median 12.5 months: range, 4-24 months) and had gait analysis. Mean duration of luxation before surgical intervention was 7.5 days (median, 7 days; range, 2-44 days). There was a single case of relaxation 27 months postoperatively. One dog died from non-surgical related circumstances. Objective gait analysis showed equal pelvic limb use in all 6 dogs available for re-evaluation. All owners of living dogs reported limb function as being good to excellent, and perceived that their dogs were pain free. Radiographs (mean, 7.5 months; median, 12.5 months; range, 4-24 months post surgery) of 6 dogs showed no progression of osteoarthritis in comparison to immediate postoperative radiographs.


CONCLUSIONS
Hip toggle with the TightRope system as a prosthetic ligament of the head of the femur produces a favorable clinical outcome with high owner acceptance.
Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, Ames, Iowa.
Nina R
NR
Kieves
Peter J
PJ
Lotsikas
Kurt S
KS
Schulz
Sherman O
SO
Canapp
D000818:Animals; D003050:Coccyx / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D005684:Gait; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome