Effect of pubic symphysiodesis on pelvic development in the skeletally immature greyhound

Objective-To evaluate the effect of pubic symphysiodesis (PS) on pelvic dev elopment in skeletally immature dogs. Study Design-Prospective randomized clinical trial. Animals-Eight 4 month-old, sexually intact female Greyhounds. Methods-Initial PS was performed at 4 months of age using ii powered stapli ng device. Because of failure of the initial surgery, a second PS was per;f ormed I month later by resecting the pubic symphysis with a rongeur followe d by placement of handmade bone staples in four dogs. Sham PS was performed in four control dogs at 4 months of age. Pubic growth rate and pelvic deve lopment were evaluated using standard plane radiography and computed tomogr aphy. Specific measurements included acetabular ventroversion, Norberg angl e, lateral center-edge angle, and pelvic inlet dimensions. Hip distraction indices were determined as well. Results-PS at 4 months of age using a stapling device failed. Pubic symphys iodesis using hand made staples was successful at 5 months of age and did n ot result in any clinically significant intraoperative or postoperative com plications. Pubic symphysiodesis markedly decreased pubic symphysis growth in the treatment group. Hip distraction indices and pelvic inlet circumfere nce, area, and width significantly decreased in heated dogs compared to tho se in the control group. Acetabular ventroversion was significantly increas ed in treated dogs compared to those in the control group. Conclusions-PS decreases pelvic canal size, increases acetabular ventrovers ion, and does not appear to have any clinically significant complications. Clinical Relevance-PS performed in skeletally immature dogs with hip dyspla sia may provide an effect similar to a triple pelvic osteotomy and warrants further investigation. (C) Copyright 2000 by The American College of Veter inary Surgeons.