Evaluation of an overlapping pubic and ischiatic osteotomy for the improvement of acetabular ventroversion in dogs: an ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the potential of a new single-session surgical procedure, the overlapping pubic and ischiatic osteotomy (OPIO) for modification of bilateral hip conformation. We hypothesized that OPIO would be simple to perform with currently available surgical equipment, through a single surgical approach, with minimal potential morbidity, and that it would allow adequate simultaneous bilateral improvement of coxofemoral joint conformation in patients at risk of canine hip dysplasia.

METHODS: The OPIO procedure was performed in the pelves of five large breed canine cadavers. Computed tomography images of each cadaver were compared by measurement of the dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA), acetabular angle (AA), dorso-ventral sacroiliac ratio (SR), and pubic inlet area before and after OPIO.

RESULTS: Coxofemoral joint conformation was improved after OPIO. Postoperative DARA was significantly decreased (mean: -5.09°) and AA was significantly increased (mean: 3.54°) after OPIO. The SR was not significantly different after OPIO, indicating minimal impact on the sacro-illiac joints by the procedure. Pubic inlet dimensions and area were significantly decreased after OPIO, but the overall effect on pelvic inlet area was clinically insignificant.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An OPIO allows some improvement of coxofemoral joint conformation in canine cadavers.