Throughout September, we are highlighting the different surgical options we offer to suit hip-related conditions.
Let's take a deep dive into...Hip Neurectomy
A neurectomy involves surgically damaging the sensory innervation to the affected hip(s) joint capsule, reducing the pain sensation in the area. The rest of the innervation to the hindlimb(s) is intact, and there is no adverse functionality in losing the sensation to the hip joint.
Indicated conditions:
- Hip dysplasia, a painful condition that causes one or both hip joints to develop abnormally. Clinical signs can be observed from an early age or later in life, depending on the severity. Signs may include reduced muscle over the affected back leg/s, lameness, a ‘wobbly’ or ‘swaying’ walk, ‘bunny hopping' when trying to run, difficulty getting up, lying down or attempting to go up and down stairs. This condition can often lead to luxation or degenerative joint disease.
- Chronic degenerative joint disease failing to respond to medical management where other surgical options have been ruled out.
Benefits:
- No further destabilisation of the joint can be done on both sides simultaneously; it is a more affordable option than a total hip replacement (THR), and no special aftercare is required other than ensuring correct healing of the incision.
Considerations:
- The hip joint is still in the same condition; it is just innervation to the area that has been altered therefore deterioration is still possible.
Picture: Ollie, a Labrador Retriever, who had a hip neurectomy by Andy Whittingham in July 2024.
Find out more about our Orthopaedic services by clicking here.