A video guide to stabilization of canine hip luxation by intra-articular reconstruction of the round ligament using a synthetic implant

Objective: To provide video guidance on performing intra-articular repair of the round ligament with a synthetic implant to stabilize the coxofemoral joint following hip luxation in dogs. Animals: Dogs of any size with hip luxation associated with rupture of the round ligament. Methods: With the dog in lateral recumbency, a femoral tunnel is drilled from the base of the greater trochanter to the fovea capitis. A second femoral tunnel is drilled caudocranially, distal and perpendicular to the first one, midway between the medial and lateral cortices of the proximal femoral metaphysis. This tunnel is compacted with an interference screw intended for implant fixation. A third tunnel is drilled through the acetabulum at the footprint of the round ligament. An ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implant preassembled with a cortical button is inserted through the acetabular tunnel, such that the button lies against the medial wall of the acetabulum. The implant is passed through the femoral tunnels, tensioned, and secured in the second femoral tunnel with the use of an interference screw inserted caudocranially. Results: This technique provides immediate stabilization and restores physiological mobility of the hip. Clinical Relevance: Hip luxation is a common traumatic lesion in small animals. The choice of surgical treatment depends on the type of hip luxation, which usually occurs in a craniodorsal direction and more rarely in a caudodorsal or caudoventral direction. Intra-articular repair replaces the torn round ligament with a biocompatible UHMWPE implant to restore the stability and mobility of the joint. This technique allows for treatment of all luxation types.