Outcome and complications following modified prosthetic capsule technique for treatment of craniodorsal hip luxation in dogs.

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to report the clinical outcome of dogs with craniodorsal hip luxation (CDHL) treated with a modified prosthetic capsule technique (mPCT).

Animals And Procedure: Retrospective study of medical records from dogs with CDHL treated with mPCT between 2012 and 2018.

Results: Sixty-four dogs were included. All luxations were reduced successfully. No intraoperative complications were observed. The postoperative complication rate was 28% ( = 18), with 14% ( = 9) major and 14% ( = 9) minor complications, and the majority occurring within 1 mo after surgery. Complications included reluxation (9.4%), severe lameness (3%), osteomyelitis (1.6%), and intermittent lameness or stiffness (14%). Of dogs without major complication (33/55 dogs), long-term owner follow-up assessment (> 6 mo) (median: 39 mo, range: 19 to 51 mo) revealed an excellent or good quality of life, although 5 dogs had intermittent lameness or stiffness. Radiographs of 13/33 dogs (median: 27 mo, range: 10 to 46 mo) showed no or mild osteoarthritis progression.

Conclusion And Clinical Relevance: The mPCT is an effective technique for surgical treatment of CDHL in dogs. Further studies are required to objectively evaluate limb use and long-term radiographic changes.