Coxofemoral or hip luxation is the most commonly luxated joint in dogs, accounting for 90% of all luxations. It is usually the result of trauma or severe hip dysplasia. The main joint stabilisers (the joint capsule and the ligament of the head of the femur also known as the round ligament) are torn, allowing the head of the femur (thigh bone) to come out of it’s socket in the pelvis (hip bone).
Manually replacing a cranio-dorsal hip luxation under general anaesthesia (also known as ‘closed’ reduction) is often attempted as a first line treatment for uncomplicated luxations. A non–weight bearing sling (Ehmer sling or figure of eight bandage) is typically applied to the hindlimb to maintain reduction for 7- 14 days while scar tissue forms around the joint to hold it in place. Sadly, during or shortly after this period the hip often re-luxates. If this is the case surgery is recommended.
The two most commonly used surgeries for managing hip luxation are:
1. Hip Toggle
2. Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)