Articular Cartilage of Experimental Hip Dysplasia

Abstract

Immobilization of the hind limb in a straight leg cast produced hip dysplasia of varying degrees in the growing puppy. Only slight degenerative changes were found in the hip with subluxation. No progression of degenerative changes was noted in one year follow-up. Completely dislocated hips showed characteristic deformity of the femoral head and severe acetabular dysplasia. Significant cartilage degeneration was noted which appeared to have progressed with duration of the dislocation. Characteristic changes were severe reduction of Safranin-O staining, fibrocartilaginous proliferation (pannus formation) and hypocellularity.