20.9.2: Mature lame animal - trauma, luxations, surgery

Question 1

1

Answer 1

Question 2

2

Answer 2

Question 3

3

Answer 3

Question 4

Incongruent

Answer 4

joint surfaces are abnormal in shape and do not articulate perfectly

Question 5

Dysplasia

Answer 5

abnormal joint development

Question 6

Subluxation

Answer 6

joint surfaces are displaced but maintain some contact

Question 7

Luxation

Answer 7

no contact maintained between joint syrfaces; describe the luxation by the position of the distal articular joint surface.

Aetiology
* Traumatic - common, takes considerable force e.g. RTA
* Acquired/ developmental - common e.g. hip dysplasia resulting in subluxation
* Congenital - rare

Question 8

Diagnosis of luxations / subluxations

Answer 8

• Palpation under GA; compare both limbs
• Radiography: orthogonal views are essential. Stressed view may be required to determine site and severity of subluxation. Examine for articular bone fragments which may make reduction impossible or unstable.

Question 9

Answer 9

Question 10

Answer 10

Question 11

Answer 11

Question 12

Options for treatment of acquired traumatic hip luxations

Answer 12

• Closed reduction - more successful in dog than cat
• Open reduction
• If this fails: arthroplasty or THR

Question 13

Signalment for congenital luxations

Answer 13

• Rare
• Toy breeds (shoulder), staffies (elbow)
• The bones and joints are abnormal in shape so there are abnormal tensions on the joint and articulation

Question 14

Management of congenital joint luxation

Answer 14

Conservative
* Many animals show surprisingly little lameness which may be more mechanical than originated from pain
* Analgesia
* Weight restriction
* Physiotherapy

Surgical
* Difficult due to abnormally shaped articular surfaces
* Success improved by early interventions
* Salvage procedures (e.g. arthrodesis, arthroplasty, amputation) may be required

Image: congenital elbow luxation