Ortho - Hips, elbows and cruciates Flashcards
what is hip dysplasia?
a common inherited developmental disease characterised by laxity of the hip joint
are hips lax from birth?
no, puppies are born normal - laxity apparent from 4-5 months
which animals are commonly affected by hip dysplasia?
most commonly large and giant breed dogs
also affects small breeds and cats
when are the earliest signs of hip laxity usually seen?
4-5 months
what is the usual signalment for hip dysplasia?
4-12 months at first presentation
second phase affects adults - present with arthritis secondary to hip dysplasia - no laxity
what is the usual history associated with hip dysplasia?
hindlimb stiffness and difficulty mobilising, affecting both legs, bunny hopping, adducted hindlimbs
what can we see on gait analysis which is characteristic of hip dysplasia?
short stride on hindlimbs
lateral sway to avoid full stride - uses back
bunny hopping
adducted hindlimbs
what might we see upon orthopaedic examination of a patient with hip dysplasia?
muscle atrophy (quadriceps)
pain on hip extension
crepitus
clunking
what radiographic views are useful in diagnosing hip dysplasia?
v/d extended
frog leg
lateral pelvis
which manipulation tests can be used to test for hip dysplasia?
ortolani test
Bardens hip lift test
in which cases is the ortolani test not useful?
older dogs with arthritis
negative in cases of dislocation - will be unable to relocate joint
how is the Bardens hip lift test performed?
patient in lateral
hip is levered out of acetabulum to see how much ‘bounce’ is achieved
can the Bardens hip lift test be done on a conscious patient?
no - patient must be heavily sedated/under GA - painful test
what is classed as an abnormal Bardens hip lift result?
> 0.5cm
what are the available treatment options for hip dysplasia?
conservative managament
myotomies
growth plate fusion
osteotomies
THR
FHNE
what type of growth plate fusion is carried out on patients with hip dysplasia?
juvenile pubic symphysiodesis
which patients are suitable for growth plate fusion/osteotomy?
young patients with early diagnosis
what is involved in conservative management of hip dysplasia?
restricting exercise to lead-only - short regular walks, no off-lead
hydrotherapy
controlling food intake to restrict weight and slow down growth
judicious use of NSAIDs and other medication
can conservative management improve degree of subluxation?
not shown to improve - remains same or worse
what is juvenile pubic symphysiodesis?
iatrogenic closure of the pubic symphysis
how is juvenile pubic symphysiodesis achieved?
electrocautery to create thermal necrosis
what does juvenile pubic symphysiodesis result in?
growth of acetabulum which increases dorsal cover of the femoral head
why is juvenile pubic symphysiodesis rarely done?
must be done when patient is very young, during early growth phase - rarely identified this early
why is it important to neuter dogs who have had juvenile pubic symphysiodesis?
to ensure they are not bred from to avoid passing the condition on