A retrospective comparison of three techniques for femoral head and neck excision in dogs

Femoral head and neck excision was performed in 169 dogs over a 7 year period. A written questionnaire completed by 56 owners, evaluating a total of 72 joints, was the basis for retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of the procedures used. There were four surgical groups: femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) in dogs with body weights over 14 kg, the same procedure in dogs with body weights less than 14 kg (SMALL), femoral head and neck excision with muscle interposition (MI), and the wedge resection technique (WRT). Although differences in results were noted, there were no statistically significant differences between any of the groups for the percentage of leg use during normal activity (p greater than 0.05), mean postoperative time until leg use, use of the leg or hopping while running, or lameness with exercise (p greater than 0.10). The results of this study suggest that there is little advantage in performing the more time-consuming and traumatic muscle interposition and wedge resection procedures.