Femoral Head and Neck Resection In A Dog

Surgical removal of the femoral head and neck in a dog is a fairly common procedure. Fractures of the femoral head or neck, arthritis of the femoral head and neck, hip dysplasia and other degenerative processes often render the hip joint nearly useless... not to mention the chronic pain that affects the dog.

Below is a display of one case where the debilitating effects of DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease) from HD (Hip Dysplasia) http://www.thepetcenter.com/xra/hd.html resulted in pain and decreased usefulness of the left hind leg. This advanced state of degeneration seldom responds to anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, Rimadyl, Etogesic or cortisone. (Nutriceuticals) http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/arsupp.html and supplements such as Cosequin, Omega Fatty Acids, Flax seed oil, or chiropractic care will have minimal effects on a joint such as the left hip joint in this patient. There is surely a place for these anti-inflammatory medications and dietary supplements in the battle against canine arthritis; but in advanced cases of Degenerative Joint Disease there are situations where surgery may be of noticeably greater benefit.

FEMORAL HEAD AND NECK RESECTION

The images below display one technique to modify the hip joint so that there is less frictional irritation between the femoral head and the joint socket, called the Acetabulum. By removing the degenerated, misshapen, and scarred femoral head a new dynamic is created at the hip joint. Now instead of a "Ball and Socket" joint there is a "Sliding Joint". The muscles of the hip take over the support and mobility of the hip and, with diligent physical therapy after the operation, the dog should have improved function of the joint as well as great relief from discomfort.

Femoral Head and Neck Resection In A Dog Click on an image to see full sized view.
Radiograph of the eight year old Retriever	Close up view of the severely degenerated left hip.	Line of incision through the stubby neck of the femur.
The patient is prepared for surgery.	The incision is made over the Greater Trochanter of the femur.	The muscles of the hip are gently separated along muscle divisions.
The hip joint capsule is identified and incised. Synovial fluid leaks from the joint space.	The head of the femur is isolated and examined and the incision line is determined.	Stainless steel bone chisels are utilized to slice through the femoral neck.
(Zoom View) The femoral head and neck are removed and any rough or sharp edges are smoothed and arthritic tissue is excised.	The incision is closed in layers beginning with the joint capsule and ending with the skin.	The Femoral Head and fragments of the neck are displayed after the surgery.