Traumatic joint luxations in small animals.

Proper management of traumatic joint luxations in small animals requires complete assessment and treatment of life-threatening injuries, early joint reduction, stabilization of the joint, and early return to joint function. The methods of reduction vary with the joint involved but can often be achieved in a closed fashion. Joint stability is maintained by external coaptation or internal stabilization methods, depending on the degree of laxity present after reduction. Once joint stability is achieved, passive and active physical therapy is important to establish normal joint function. Reluxation, lameness, and degenerative joint disease are possible sequelae of traumatic joint luxations.