Hip Toggle Stabilization Using the TightRope® System in 17 Dogs: Technique and Long-Term Outcome

Objective: To describe the technique for, and long-term clinical outcome of, a modified hip toggle stabilization using the TightRope (R) system for coxofemoral luxation repair. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records (July 2008-July 2010) including radiographs (17 limbs) of dogs that had coxofemoral luxation repaired with the TightRope system were reviewed. Follow-up (>= 12 months) was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Six dogs were available for re-evaluation, radiographs, and objective gait analysis. Results: Follow-up (mean, 24 months; range, 12-43 months) by telephone interview was available for 17 dogs. Of these, 6 dogs were re-evaluated (mean, 7.5 months; median 12.5 months: range, 4-24 months) and had gait analysis. Mean duration of luxation before surgical intervention was 7.5 days (median, 7 days; range, 2-44 days). There was a single case of relaxation 27 months postoperatively. One dog died from non-surgical related circumstances. Objective gait analysis showed equal pelvic limb use in all 6 dogs available for re-evaluation. All owners of living dogs reported limb function as being good to excellent, and perceived that their dogs were pain free. Radiographs (mean, 7.5 months; median, 12.5 months; range, 4-24 months post surgery) of 6 dogs showed no progression of osteoarthritis in comparison to immediate postoperative radiographs. Conclusions: Hip toggle with the TightRope system as a prosthetic ligament of the head of the femur produces a favorable clinical outcome with high owner acceptance.