Femoral Head Ostectomy
Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure to remove the femoral head (the ball portion of the hip joint) and neck from the femur to alleviate pain. It is only performed when an animal's pain cannot be managed in any other way.
Small dogs, cats, small horses, donkeys and ponies are candidates for FHO, as are other small animals with pelvic fractures. The procedure is most often performed on dogs and cats.
Applications for Femoral Head Ostectomy
FHO is used in the treatment and management of hip dysplasia and trauma, or other diseases of the hip. Hip dysplasia, which is a malformation of the hip joints, is the most common orthopedic disease in dogs. With hip dysplasia, the hip eventually develops some degree of arthritis, which often leads to pain. An FHO may also be needed when a pet sustains a trauma injury that results in fractures of the femoral head. Other hip diseases, such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, in which the blood supply to the femoral head is abnormal, may also require an FHO.
Femoral Head Ostectomy
During an FHO, the animal is anesthetized, and an incision is made in the hip area. The femoral head is then removed using a small saw, or a bone hammer and chisel. After removal, the bone is smoothed so there is no bone-to-bone contact between the pelvis and the remaining portion of the femur. The incision into the muscle, fat and layers of skin is then closed.
Unlike during most hip surgeries, the head of the femur is not replaced. Instead, during the healing process, fibrous scar tissue develops and fills the space where the ball once sat, essentially creating a "false joint."
Results of Femoral Head Ostectomy
Post-surgery, an animal must maintain a lower weight to make up for the loss of skeletal integrity. With the correct type of physical therapy, most animals are able to function well.