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Surgical Technique of the 3-Dimensional-printed Personalized Hip Implant for the Treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia
Published on: April 19, 2024
Total hip replacement in an alpaca using a cementless implant.
Kara L Schulz1, James K Roush, David E Anderson
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. kschulz@vet.ksu.edu
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|January 21, 2009
Summary
Total hip replacement (THR) using a cementless prosthesis successfully managed chronic coxofemoral luxation in a pregnant alpaca. This treatment offers a viable option for severe hip disease in alpacas, promoting recovery and herd integration.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Orthopedics
- Comparative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Chronic craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation presents a significant challenge in alpacas.
- Traditional treatment options for chronic hip luxation in camelids have limited success rates.
- Surgical intervention is often necessary for severe cases with poor prognosis for conservative management.
Observation:
- A 2.5-year-old pregnant Suri alpaca presented with severe, chronic left hind limb lameness due to coxofemoral luxation.
- A cementless, press-fit total hip prosthesis was surgically implanted.
- The alpaca successfully delivered a live cria eight months post-surgery.
Findings:
- The total hip replacement implant remained stable and well-positioned at 7 weeks and 9 months post-operatively.
- Mild persistent lameness and reduced coxofemoral joint mobility were noted.
- Radiographic evidence of mild proximal femur exostosis and Steinmann pin migration was observed at 9 months.
Implications:
- Total hip replacement is a feasible surgical treatment for chronic coxofemoral luxation in alpacas.
- This procedure can restore function and allow for continued breeding and herd participation.
- Further research into long-term outcomes and implant management in camelids is warranted.
