Denervation of hip joint capsule: A minimally invasive alternative to other palliative and reconstructive techniques for treatment of canine hip joint dysplasia and arthrosis

Hip joint denervation is a simple surgical technique that can be performed without the need for special surgical instruments. The surgery was performed in 321 dogs with a body weight between 14 and 58 kg. Median age of the patients was 3.9 years (4 months to 16 years). This age range highlights a major advantage of the technique, which is the treatment of dogs of every age. Young animals not suited for endoprostetic therapy can be treated as well as elderly dogs, for whom owners frequently decline major surgery. Treatment success was evaluated by veterinarians examining the patients before and two months after surgery according to the score sheath of Welsh. 91.9 % of the animals showed significant improvement after 2 months and 52.1 % were without symptoms. Instant pain relief reactivates dynamic compontents of the hip joint as locomotor. The hip joint itself is not opened during denervation, hence keeping all options for further reconstructive Surgery. Due to simplicity and minimally invasive character, the surgical technique of hip denervation presents a true alternative to other techniques for treatment of hip dysplasia and arthrosis. Lack of any relevant complications makes hip denervation the favorable technique for elder or severely sick patients in which longer anesthesia and longer post treatment periods should be avoided.