Force Plate Gait Analysis in Dogs After Femoral Head and Neck Excision

Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) remains a common orthopedic surgical procedure in many countries. However, data on postoperative outcomes regarding changes in hindlimb function are limited. This study aimed to evaluate hindlimb function after FHNE in dogs of different weights. Twenty-seven dogs that underwent FHNE were block-randomly assigned to two groups based on weight (≤20 kg and >20 kg). Hindlimb function was evaluated using force plate gait analysis to measure peak vertical force (PVF), alongside other orthopedic evaluations and a composite orthopedic assessment score at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used for statistical comparisons. The findings demonstrated no significant difference in PVF between the operated and non-operated limbs in either weight groups (≤20 kg and >20 kg) at four and three months postoperatively (median functional recovery time) (<i>p</i> = 0.33), nor were there significant differences in lameness scores at trot between weight groups five and three months after FHNE (<i>p</i> = 0.64). These results indicate that FHNE provides satisfactory functional outcomes and can be considered a suitable orthopedic intervention for medium- to large-breed dogs.