Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Croquenois is skilled in many orthopedic surgeries, including:
- External Fixation
- Complex Fractures
- Cruciate Ligament Surgery
- Femoral Head Ostectomy
- Amputation
External Fixation
External fixation is an affordable orthopedic surgery (compared to plates and screws) that helps treat fractures that would not heal properly with a cast.
The goal of the surgery is to hold the involved bones in a stable position, allowing the body to create a callus that ultimately replaces the compromised bone part.
Surgeons will use pins and wires that are removed at the end of the convalescence and healing process.
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
The partial or full tear of the cranial cruciate ligament is the most frequent cause of hind leg lameness. Clinical presentation is usually a non-weight bearing lameness, that happens suddenly while the dog is playing, jumping, or running. If ignored the lameness progressively improves over 2 weeks but very rarely goes away. The knee appears swollen and painful on palpation or flexion.
A positive drawer is a very specific and pathognomonic sign that is revealed by specific manipulation of the knee. If not healed properly and appropriately the joint is inclined to develop significant arthritis, a degenerative joint disease that will ultimately compromise the dog’s ability to jump and run.
Various treatments are available depending on the age and size of the pet. Surgical treatment is successful, and dogs often do very well after surgery.
If your pet is limping, schedule a consultation with our expert Veterinarian!
Femoral Head Ostectomy
Femoral Head Ostectomy is a common surgical treatment performed to alleviate hip pain on small to midsize dog breeds. Even though the surgery can be performed on all dog sizes and breeds, the prognosis is better on dogs of less than 60 lbs. The cause of the acute femoral pain can be a dislocated hip that remains unstable post-fracture or due to arthritis and degenerative pathologies, such as Legg Perthes disease.
FHO consists of removal of the femoral head after resection at the level of the femoral neck. After healing, the body creates a fibrous pad that allows all-natural movements.