Femoral Head Osteotomy
The femoral head forms the ball portion of the hip “ball and socket” joint and acts as the hind limb’s pivot point during locomotion. If this portion of the femur becomes diseased (hip dysplasia) or has fractured, it can result in an extremely painful and arthritic hip joint.
The femoral head osteotomy (FHO) procedure removes the diseased or fractured portion of the femur to help alleviate pain and increase quality of life for your animal. Once the femoral head has been removed, the hip socket develops scar tissue and allows the remaining femur bone to move freely without causing any pain created by bone on bone contact. After this scar tissue has developed the hind leg can regain its proper function.
For additional information regarding the home care instructions required after a FHO surgery, please click on the link below: