Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy via Ventral Approach in Cats Using Osteotomy Guide

Introduction: The femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) is a common surgical procedure in cats aimed at relieving pain associated with coxofemoral joint pathology. This study focused on developing a standardized osteotomy guide for the ventral FHO (v-FHO) approach, which preserves supportive soft tissue structures and enhances visualization of the lesser trochanter. We hypothesized that this guide would enable clinically acceptable femoral neck removal in at least 80% of cases and that younger age or lower body weight would correlate with osteotomy failures.

Materials and Methods: Medical records were reviewed to identify cats with normal femoral morphology via computed tomography (CT), resulting in 18 scans and three cadaver specimens. Two osteotomy guides (16 and 21 degrees) were designed and printed, and their efficacy was evaluated through postoperative CT scans measuring actual versus ideal osteotomy angles. Covariates including age, sex, castration status, body weight, side, bone type, and neck inclination and version angles were recorded.

Results: The results indicated significant discrepancies between actual and ideal angles, particularly between sides and guides. The left femur exhibited larger deviations (p = 0.020), and the 21-degree guide produced cuts closer to the ideal angle (p = 0.001). Covariates that were recorded did not significantly affect outcomes (p = 0.705).

Discussion/Conclusion: The 21 degrees guide provided a cut angle closer to the ideal angle, therefore future iterations of a v-FHO cutting guide should use the 21 degrees guide as an initial prototype. Variability in results highlights the need for further research to optimize guide design and application across different feline morphologies with larger sample sizes.

Acknowledgment

This project was funded using faculty discretionary funds.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Juli 2025