Feline Hip Luxation Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Coxofemoral luxation (hip luxation) is the most common joint luxation in cats, accounting for up to 90% of all joint luxations in this species. The condition involves displacement of the femoral head from the acetabulum, resulting in significant pain, lameness, and functional impairment. Understanding the anatomy, diagnosis, and management of coxofemoral luxation is essential for the NAVLE examination and clinical practice.

Hip luxation in cats is most commonly caused by vehicular trauma (motor vehicle accidents), accounting for the majority of cases. Other causes include kicks, fights, falls from height, and unknown trauma. Concurrent injuries occur in approximately 55% of patients, making thorough patient evaluation critical before addressing the luxation.

Anatomy of the Coxofemoral Joint

The coxofemoral joint is a diarthrodial ball-and-socket joint formed by the articulation of the femoral head with the acetabulum. The spherical femoral head fits into the cup-shaped acetabulum, allowing multiaxial movement including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.