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Coxofemoral Luxation
Written by: McKaila von Rentzell, 3rd year Veterinary Student • 2018 Scholar
History
Herbie is a 10 year old, male neutered Border Collie mix. Herbie presented on 6/23 to IVS non-weight bearing on the right hind limb. His owner advised that Herbie was sitting on their reclining chair when she heard a yelp and saw him fall out of the chair.
Physical Exam
Upon physical exam, Herbie was bright, alert, and responsive. His right hind limb was non-weight bearing, and the right hip was extremely painful. No other abnormalities were noted at this time.
Diagnostics
Dr. Bolser sedated Herbie to get a better feel of his hip region. When palpating Herbie’s hip, it was discovered that his femur was displaced from the hip socket, indicated by the lack of hip symmetry. Radiographs confirmed this finding and informed the doctor that his femur was displaced dorsally, or upwards (see image below; red arrow indicates hip socket without femur in appropriate location).
Treatment
Coxofemoral luxation may be corrected by physical manipulation with medical management, or surgical correction. Physical manipulation has a 50% success rate, thus surgical correction is typically attempted only if physical manipulation is unsuccessful. Herbie was anesthetized and the femur was physically directed back into the hip socket, known as a hip reduction. Radiographs following the procedure confirmed correct placement of the femur (right image below). Herbie went home with his owner with instructions of minimal exercise and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain.
Citations
- Fossum, Theresa W. Small Animal Surgery (4th ed). Saint Louis, MO: Mosby Inc.
