Minimally invasive technique for coxofemoral luxation treatment in dogs: a cadaveric study

Hip luxation is the most common injury among traumatic dislocations in dogs, and its closed reduction has a high chance of recurrence. Conventional surgical treatments present risks of important complications, which can be reduced with the use of minimally invasive techniques. Such techniques can be radiographically guided, and radiographic examination is widely available in clinical routine. This study developed a minimally invasive technique for stabilization of coxofemoral luxation, guided by radiographic images, in dog cadavers, being, to the authors' knowledge, its first description in literature. The procedure started by defining positionings of the limb, aiming to guide the introduction of the guide pin (GP) and planning the technique. Thereafter, the GP was percutaneously introduced into the greater trochanter of the femur, until it crossed the acetabular far cortical. After its implantation, a cannulated drill (CD) was inserted, and drilled until it crossed the acetabular far cortical. The GP was removed, and a toggle pin was introduced and accommodated in the acetabular far cortical. The technique was performed on fourteen hip joints. The location of the perforations and complications of the technique were evaluated. The most observed complication was the mild deviation in drilling, representing 28.6%. The objective was fully achieved in eight joints (57.1%), where the exit points of the perforations were in the insertion of the round ligament. We concluded that the technique can be performed in cadavers, but further studies are needed to improve the accuracy and safety of the procedure.