Effect of Osteotomy of the Greater Trochanter with Tension Band Fixation on Femorai Conformation in Beagle Dogs

Osteotomy of the greater trochanter with tension band fixation was performed on 14-, 20-, and 26-week-old Beagle dogs. Physeal growth of the greater trochanter was retarded, as determined by tetracycline labeling. The trochanteric-condylar distance was reduced and the articulotrochanteric distance was increased. There was no shortening of femoral leg length. There were mild increases in the length of the femora and tibiae of the experimental hindlimbs. The angles of inclination and anteversion of the femoral neck were measured. The experimental operations resulted in insignificant changes in these angles. There was no histologic or clinical evidence of coxarthropathy. All dogs were clinically normal at the termination of the study (38 weeks). It was concluded that osteotomy of the greater trochanter with tension band fixation could be performed on growing Beagle dogs without producing adverse effects.