title: Evaluation of a joint distractor to facilitate arthroscopy of the hip joint in dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the technical feasibility and efficacy of a hip joint distraction technique, any potential ligamentous damage linked to the procedure, and the effect of joint venting on the maximum distraction achieved.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty hip joints from 11 canine cadavers were evaluated radiographically by standard and stressed projections. Joint distraction was applied with loads from 40 up to 200 N, in 40 N increments, and fluoroscopic images were obtained at each load. At 200 N, a needle was inserted into the joint to achieve a venting effect, and the space was measured again. Standard and stressed radiographs were performed to evaluate potential laxity changes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Distraction caused a significant increase in joint space at each load of distraction, although there were some variations. Joint venting produced a significant increase in joint space. A statistically significant difference in joint laxity evaluated radiographically before and after the procedure was recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of the distraction apparatus resulted in an increase in joint space. This could be useful for clinical situations where a larger joint space is required such as for arthroscopic procedures. However, loads in excess of 200 N may induce significant increases in joint laxity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Devesa
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Rovesti
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Urrutia
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: San Roman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Quiros
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D005270:Femur Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography