Introduction: There are several proposed clinical benefits of a ventral FHO (vFHO). A previous
study comparing vFHO to a standard craniolateral approach noted that removal of additional
bone after initial ventral osteotomy was challenging. In this study, a novel K-wire
guide and preoperative ideal FHO angle (iFHOA) were used to improve the efficiency
and accuracy of vFHO, and the previously accepted 45-degree angle to guide vFHO osteotomies
was assessed.
Materials and Methods: A standard- and guided-vFHO were performed on each hip of 10 canine cadavers. A single
unmodified osteotomy was performed in all cases. The pre- and postoperative iFHOA,
and residual femoral neck were radiographically assessed. Subjective intraoperative
palpation and postoperative radiographic scores were assigned.
Results: No significant difference was noted in subjective intraoperative osteotomy or radiographic
scores (p > 0.63), and guided vFHO were as good or better for 9/10 cadavers. Residual femoral
neck measurements were similar for both groups (p > 0.75). The average iFHOA in this study was 38.5 degrees, with no significant difference
between sides of the same cadaver (p = 0.34). Guided vFHO took significantly longer (294.5 seconds, p = 0.002) than standard vFHO (166.7 seconds).
Discussion/Conclusion: Radiographic scores were as good or better for the guided vFHO group in 9/10 cadavers.
Subjectively, the K-wire guide provided improved soft tissue retraction, neck visualization,
and confidence in cut angulation. The mean iFHOA of 38.5 degrees is less than the
previously published 45-degree angulation described for vFHO procedures. Preoperative
iFHOA measurement may minimize risk of inappropriate vFHO osteotomy angle.
Acknowledgment: CSU Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory and the CSU MacLaughlin fund.
