Iatrogenic Iliopsoas Tendon Injury during Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy is Possible 2 in Cadaveric Models: A Pilot Study

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine if iatrogenic damage to the iliopsoas tendon occurs during routine femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) in cadaveric canine models.

Materials and Methods: Four cadaveric canine specimens were humanely euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study. Pre-operative radiography confirmed no pelvic or femoral comorbidities. One limb of each paired sample was randomly assigned as either dissection-only control or FHO. The FHO procedures were performed by an ACVS diplomate and post-procedure radiography confirmed appropriate ostectomy. The FHO limbs underwent pre- and post-operative ultrasonographic investigation by an ACVR diplomate. Finally, the FHO limbs were grossly dissected, examined, and abnormalities were documented.

Results: Gross visual damage was appreciated on all post-operative FHO limbs. The damage was most apparent in extreme external rotation of the limb achieved by post-operative dissection. Ultrasound investigation did not reveal changes associated with these gross lesions.

Discussion/Conclusion: Iatrogenic damage to the iliopsoas tendon may occur during routine FHO, but this study does not account for clinical relevance in vivo. Although post-operative dissection revealed grossly visible damage to the tendon and musculotendinous junction of the iliopsoas muscle, these findings were not appreciated on ultrasound examination.

Acknowledgement: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022