Minimally invasive arthroscopic-assisted reduction with TightRope® for coxofemoral luxation in a Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyopus)

A Korean water deer was rescued with non-weight-bearing lameness of the right hind limb. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation. The cause of the right coxofemoral luxation (CL) was unknown. We performed minimally invasive arthroscopic-assisted reduction with toggle pin fixation (mini TightRope®). Craniodorsal CL in the water deer was reduced and stabilized successfully. At 60 days after admission, the water deer was successfully released back into the wild. This minimally invasive surgical technique can be used to correct coxofemoral luxation in wild animals.