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Total hip arthroplasty in nine canine hind limb amputees: a retrospective study
C A Preston1, K S Schulz, P B Vasseur
1Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
Insights
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be a successful salvage procedure for canine hindlimb amputees with hip disease. Early postoperative luxation is a risk, often requiring revision surgery for stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Orthopedics
- Canine Surgery
- Prosthetic Joint Replacement
Background:
- Hindlimb amputations in dogs can lead to compensatory coxofemoral joint disease.
- Disabling hip conditions in amputee dogs present a surgical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in dogs that have undergone hindlimb amputation.
- To assess the success and complications of THA as a salvage procedure in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series evaluating medical records of nine dogs.
- Data included signalment, indications for amputation and THA, timing, and complications.
- Radiographic assessment of implant placement and functional outcomes via direct evaluation or owner interviews.
Main Results:
- Seven of nine dogs achieved good or excellent clinical outcomes.
- Five dogs experienced complications, with four early postoperative luxations.
- Revision surgery successfully stabilized three of four luxated hips.
- No implant loosening or infection was observed.
Conclusions:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a viable salvage option for canine hindlimb amputees with disabling, non-neoplastic, noninfectious coxofemoral disease.
- A significant risk of early postoperative luxation exists, necessitating careful management and potential revision surgery.
Objective:
To determine the outcome of total hip arthroplasty in canine hindlimb amputees.
Study Design:
Retrospective evaluation of clinical cases.
Methods:
Data recorded from the medical records of nine dogs included patient signalment, indication for amputation and total hip arthroplasty (THA), interval between amputation and THA, and surgical complications. Radiographs were used to assess implant orientation and evidence of complications. Functional outcome was assessed using direct patient evaluation by one of the authors or primary surgeons, or through telephone interview between the primary author and the owner.
Results:
Seven dogs ultimately had a good or excellent clinical results. Complications occurred in five dogs. Four dogs luxated the prosthetic joint without an obvious traumatic event within 9 weeks of the initial surgery. Revision surgeries resulted in successful coxofemoral reduction in three of four dogs. There were no clinical or radiographic findings suggestive of implant loosening or infection.
Conclusion:
THA can be a successful salvage procedure in the canine hindlimb amputee with disabling, non-neoplastic, noninfectious coxofemoral disease. The risk of luxation in the early postoperative period is high and revision surgery is required for stabilization.