Evaluation of fabricated toggle pin with metal wire stabilization for treatment of hip luxation in dogs

Coxofemoral luxation or hip joint luxation is the most commonly occurring injury in dogs and cats. There are different methods in treating this case with different outcomes, toggle pin stabilization technique is one of them. This study aimed to evaluate metal suture with fabricated toggle pin as prosthetic round ligament (teres ligament) for the treatment of hip joint luxation in dogs. The experimental study was conducted of five adult mongrel dogs induced coxofemoral luxation (hip luxation) under general anesthesia, then the induced luxation was reduced by using a fabricated toggle pin from a Steinman pin with metal suture passed through a femero-acetabular tunnel created by electrical drill started from third trochanter and exits at the acetabular fossa passing through the fovea capitis. All experimental animals were followed up clinically for six weeks at two intervals (day 14th, and day 42nd), and radiologically for six weeks at three intervals at day zero, day 28th, and day 42nd. All experimental animals were bearing weight on the affected limb the next day after surgery. The lameness score of all cases was 0/5 representing normal gait at both two- and six-week intervals. The radiological results showed a good reduction in luxated limb along the period of the study. In conclusion, a fabricated toggle pin with metal suture is a good stabilizer for hip luxation cases and provides a rigid fixation for the joint.