A Radiographic Stress Technique for Evaluation of Coxofemoral Joint Laxity in Dogs

Abstract

Hip joint laxity cannot be quantified precisely on standard position radiographs. The proposed stress technique yields significantly higher degrees of femoral head subluxation than the standard position.

Radiological evaluation of the relationship between caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte and joint laxity and degenerative joint disease associated with Canine Hip Dysplasia

“…Hip joint laxity was measured by NA and the subluxation method described by FLUCKIGER et al (1999), because this technique does not require any special equipment and can be learned quickly. Significant differences (P<0.001) were observed in SI and NA according to whether CCO was observed or not.…”

“…After this, radiographs were taken in hip-extended and subluxation position. The subluxation method applied was identical to the one described by FLUCKIGER et al (1999) because this technique does not require any specific requirements. For this technique, the dogs were placed in dorsal recumbency on the X-ray table.…”

“…However, CHD is still common, despite radiographic screening of breeding dogs (HAAS, 2006). Most researchers have focused on early diagnosis and treatment of CHD (BADERTSCHER, 1977;BARDENS and HARDWICK, 1968;CULP et al, 2006;FLUCKIGER et al, 1999;HAAS, 2006;HENRY and PARK, 1972;LUST et al, 1993;MADSEN and SVALASTOGA, 1995;PRIEUR, 1978;SMITH et al, 1990;VEZZONI, 2006). Radiography is the only accepted tool for large-scale screening of dogs for CHD (CHALMERS et al, 2006;FLUCKIGER et al, 1999).…”

“…Most researchers have focused on early diagnosis and treatment of CHD (BADERTSCHER, 1977;BARDENS and HARDWICK, 1968;CULP et al, 2006;FLUCKIGER et al, 1999;HAAS, 2006;HENRY and PARK, 1972;LUST et al, 1993;MADSEN and SVALASTOGA, 1995;PRIEUR, 1978;SMITH et al, 1990;VEZZONI, 2006). Radiography is the only accepted tool for large-scale screening of dogs for CHD (CHALMERS et al, 2006;FLUCKIGER et al, 1999). As efforts have intensified to find a reliable means of diagnosis in younger dogs, so has the level of scrutiny aimed at some of the more subtle radiographic signs observed (MAYHEW et al, 2002).…”

“…As efforts have intensified to find a reliable means of diagnosis in younger dogs, so has the level of scrutiny aimed at some of the more subtle radiographic signs observed (MAYHEW et al, 2002). Femoral head subluxation (joint laxity) has been described as the first radiographic sign of hip dysplasia that can be detected as early as at 30-60 days of age (BELKOFF et al, 1989;FLUCKIGER et al, 1999;RISER, 1975). In dogs as young as 16 weeks of age, the degree of hip joint laxity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis (SMITH et al, 2001).…”