ABSTRACT
Surgery Report An approach to the craniodorsal aspect of the right hip joint through a craniolateral incision was performed. An incision into the joint capsule was made with a No.15 blade and minimal periosteal elevation was performed to limit compromise to the local blood supply. Meyerding retractors allowed visualization of the fracture site. The fracture was reduced manually by internally rotating the hip and pushing the neck caudally to visualize proper reduction. The fracture was then again luxated. Using a 4.5 mm drill bit, a hole was drilled from the third trochanter to the middle of the physis, and the depth of this hole was measured. A drill guide with an outer diameter of 4.5 mm and inner diameter of 3.2 mm was place into this hole from the third trochanter. The fracture was then again reduced and a hole was drilled through the femoral capitis. The depth of this hole was measured, and a 4.5 mm screw was chosen from the depth of the hole in the femoral neck and the width of the capitus as measured from digital radiographs. The depth of the entire measured hole was considered, and the length of screw chosen would need to be less than this distance. The hole in the capitis was tapped and the screw inserted. The hip was then cycled through a range of motion; checking for crepitation that might suggest excessive screw length and joint invasion.
