A video guide to stabilization of canine hip luxation by intra-articular reconstruction of the round ligament using a synthetic implant.

UHMWPE intra-articular round ligament reconstruction provides immediate stabilization and restores physiological hip mobility in dogs of any size.

This article presents a detailed video-guided surgical technique for intra-articular reconstruction of the round ligament using a synthetic ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implant to stabilize the coxofemoral joint following hip luxation in dogs. Hip luxation is a common traumatic injury in small animals, most frequently occurring in the craniodorsal direction, with caudodorsal and caudoventral luxations being less common. The described technique is applicable to dogs of any size and all luxation types. With the patient in lateral recumbency, three tunnels are created: two femoral tunnels (one from the greater trochanter base to the fovea capitis, and one perpendicular and distal to the first) and one acetabular tunnel at the round ligament footprint. A UHMWPE implant preassembled with a cortical button is threaded through the acetabular tunnel, with the button seated against the medial acetabular wall. The implant is then routed through the femoral tunnels, tensioned appropriately, and secured using an interference screw inserted caudocranially into the second femoral tunnel. This construct provides immediate postoperative joint stabilization while restoring physiological range of motion. The intra-articular approach more closely mimics native round ligament anatomy compared to extra-articular techniques, potentially offering superior functional outcomes. The use of a biocompatible synthetic implant eliminates concerns associated with autograft or allograft harvesting. This technique represents a reproducible surgical option for veterinary surgeons managing canine hip luxation.

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