Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) in Farmington, NM
Femoral Head Ostectomy, or FHO, is an orthopedic procedure used to relieve hip pain caused by injury, hip dysplasia, or certain joint conditions. The procedure removes the head of the femur to reduce painful bone-on-bone contact and allow a functional false joint to form.
Book OnlineFHO surgery is often recommended for pets experiencing chronic hip pain that hasn’t responded to medical management, or in cases where the hip joint has been severely damaged by trauma, dysplasia, or degenerative disease. By removing the femoral head, the source of painful bone-on-bone friction is eliminated, and over time the surrounding muscles form a supportive “false joint” that allows for pain-free movement, even without the original ball-and-socket structure.
FHO may be recommended for pets with:
- Severe hip dysplasia that hasn’t responded to medical management
- Traumatic hip fractures or dislocations
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease), especially in small-breed dogs
- Chronic degenerative joint disease affecting the hip
While FHO changes the structure of the hip joint permanently, most pets go on to regain good functional mobility with proper post-surgical rehabilitation. Recovery typically involves controlled activity, physical therapy exercises to build muscle support around the new joint, and often laser therapy to help manage pain and support healing. Our veterinary team will walk you through what to expect at each stage of recovery.
If your pet has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia or another condition causing chronic hip pain, call (505) 326-2205 to discuss whether FHO could be the right option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions might require an FHO?
FHO is often recommended for severe hip dysplasia, traumatic hip fractures or dislocations, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and chronic degenerative joint disease.
Will my pet be able to walk normally after FHO surgery?
Most pets regain good functional mobility over time as the surrounding muscles form a supportive false joint, though the gait may differ slightly from a natural hip joint.
How long is the recovery process after FHO surgery?
Recovery generally takes several weeks to a few months, with a structured rehabilitation plan to help build strength and support around the new joint.
Is FHO surgery painful for my pet?
Pets are kept comfortable with pain management during and after surgery, and while some post-surgical discomfort is expected, FHO ultimately relieves the chronic pain caused by the damaged joint.
Can both hips be treated with FHO if needed?
In some cases, yes, though this is typically staged over time rather than performed simultaneously to support a smoother recovery.
What kind of rehabilitation is needed after FHO surgery?
Rehabilitation often includes controlled activity, physical therapy exercises, and sometimes laser therapy to help build muscle support and manage pain during healing.
Is FHO a permanent solution?
Yes, FHO permanently changes the structure of the hip joint, but the resulting false joint typically provides lasting pain relief and functional mobility.