Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How much force is needed for dog hip laxity X-rays under sedation
By Vandekerckhove, Louis M J et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2026·Department of Veterinary Morphology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Quantifying the Stress in Stress Radiography to Determine Sufficient Laxity of the Coxofemoral Joint in Sedated Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 21 sedated dogs, including Beagles and Labrador Retrievers, underwent special X-rays to measure the looseness of their hip joints, which can indicate hip dysplasia. The researchers found that applying a force of about 80.45 Newtons was effective in assessing hip joint laxity, which is important for diagnosing potential hip problems. This method showed consistent results regardless of the dog's weight or the presence of arthritis. The findings suggest that this technique can help vets better evaluate hip health in dogs.
People also search for: dog hip dysplasia symptoms · Beagle hip joint laxity · Labrador Retriever hip problems treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: It is well-established that hip joint laxity is the primary cause of degenerative changes in canine hip dysplasia, although some fundamental characteristics of stress radiography are still scarce, especially regarding the appropriate applied force. The objective of this study was to validate the recently published force-laxity relationship from a cadaver study and to determine the force necessary to measure a sufficient proportion of laxity present in coxofemoral joints in sedated dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one dogs (10 Beagles and 11 Labrador Retrievers) underwent a radiographic protocol, including stress radiographs with increasing force, using the Vezzoni Modified Badertscher Distension-measuring Device. The Laxity Index (LI) and osteoarthritis (OA) were scored. RESULTS: The force-laxity curves and the maximal Laxity Index (LI) were not significantly influenced by OA, gender or side. Weight was significantly associated with LIand the force-laxity curves. Ninety per cent of hip joints achieved sufficient laxity at a force of 80.45 N, which is practically achievable and less than that in cadavers. Bias due to low LIin the Labrador Retriever group and the only presence of radiographic signs of mild OA in the Beagle group should be considered. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the relation between applied force and LI, the robustness of this stress radiography technique and the use of a minimum 80.45 N of measured force to reach sufficient LI. Future studies with inclusion criteria regarding a broad LIrange and OA scores should be conducted.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40962265/