Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure that provides relief for pets suffering from severe hip conditions such as hip dysplasia or advanced osteoarthritis when a total hip replacement (THR) is not an option. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we specialize in advanced orthopedic surgeries like FHO to help pets live a reduced pain life. In this article, we’ll explain what FHO is, when it is recommended, and what the recovery process involves.

What is Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO)?

FHO is a procedure in which the head and neck of the femur (the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint) are removed. This creates a false joint that  reduces painful bone-on-bone contact. Over time, the body forms a fibrous connection that allows reduced pain movement. While FHO does not restore normal joint function, it can  improve a pet’s quality of life, particularly for small to medium-sized dogs and cats.

The primary goal of FHO is to relieve pain  by removing the damaged part of the hip joint. FHO is generally recommended by veterinarians for pets who have hip dysplasia, traumatic injuries, or severe osteoarthritis causing pain that cannot be effectively managed through medication, therapy, or a THR.

  1. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to painful arthritis over time. This condition is particularly common in large breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds but can also affect smaller breeds and cats. Signs of Hip Dysplasia include limping, difficulty rising, reluctance to run, or stiffness after exercise.

  1. Traumatic Hip Injury

Trauma, such as a fall or accident, can severely damage the hip joint. In some cases, the damage may be too extensive to repair, and FHO can help reduce pain. Signs of Trauma include sudden abnormal gait, unwillingness to put weight on a limb, difficulty standing, visible pain, or behavior changes.

  1. Severe Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects older pets. When non-surgical treatments like medication and physical therapy fail to relieve pain, FHO may be an option. Signs of Osteoarthritis include stiffness, lameness, difficulty climbing stairs, and reduced activity.

The FHO Surgical Procedure:

FHO surgery involves several key steps that ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.

Before surgery, our team at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics will conduct a thorough consultation to evaluate the need for treatment. This consultation will likely include diagnostic imaging to confirm FHO is a good surgical option and plan for surgery.

During surgery, the head and neck of the upper leg bone (femur) are removed to eliminate the pain caused by bone-on-bone contact. The resulting false joint allows your pet to move comfortably after recovery. Unlike total hip replacement, no artificial implants are used in FHO.

The procedure typically lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour.  After surgery, pets are carefully monitored as they recover from anesthesia.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After FHO:

Following surgery, your pet will need pain management and restricted activity to allow the surgical site to heal. Our team provides detailed post-op instructions, including pain medication schedules and wound care guidelines.

Rehabilitation is an essential part of restoring your pet’s mobility to full function after FHO. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we offer customized physical therapy programs designed to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve mobility. Physical therapy helps prevent stiffness and ensures your pet regains proper movement. 

Benefits of FHO Surgery:

Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy offers several important benefits for pets with severe hip issues:

  • Pain Relief: By removing the source of pain, FHO helps pets lead more comfortable lives.
  • Cost-Effective: FHO is generally more affordable than total hip replacement, making it a viable option for some  pet owners. However, a total hip replacement is typically recommended and an FHO is reserved for those there where a total hip replacement is not an option. 

Conclusion:

Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy is a  surgery for pets suffering from hip dysplasia, traumatic injuries, or osteoarthritis. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we provide specialized care and support to ensure that your pet recovers fully . If you believe your pet could benefit from FHO, contact us today to schedule a consultation.