Objective: To assess the accuracy and efficiency of performing ventral FHO (vFHO) after measuring the ideal femoral head and neck ostectomy angle (iFHOA), with and without guidance of a K-wire. To compare the iFHOA to the previously accepted 45° angle to guide vFHOs.
Study design: Randomized, controlled, ex vivo study.
Animals: Ten mixed-breed canine cadavers.
Methods: A routine un-guided and guided vFHO was performed on each cadaver. A single unmodified ostectomy was performed on all hips. The pre- and postoperative iFHOA and postoperative residual femoral neck were radiographically assessed. Subjective intraoperative palpation and postoperative radiographic ostectomy completeness (OC) scores were assigned.
Results: Subjective OC scores (p > .63) did not differ between techniques, and guided vFHOs were as good or better for 7/10 dogs assessed via intraoperative palpation, and 9/10 dogs assessed radiographically. Residual femoral neck measurements were similar in both groups (p > .75). The average iFHOA in this study was 38.5°, with no significant difference between limbs of the same cadaver (p = .34). Guided vFHO took longer (294.5 s, p = .002) than unguided vFHO (166.7 s).
Conclusion: The mean iFHOA of 38.5° was less than the previously published 45° angulation for vFHOs. Subjectively, use of a K-wire guide improved soft tissue retraction, neck visualization, and confidence in cut angulation.
Clinical significance: Preoperative iFHOA measurement may minimize the risk of inappropriate vFHO angles.
© 2021 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.