Femoral component failure in canine cemented total hip replacement: a report of two cases

Femoral stem fracture is reported as an uncommon late complication of cemented total hip replacement in two dogs. In each case surgical salvage was achieved by extirpation of the proximal unstable component of the femoral stem, resulting in acceptable limb function. To the authors' knowledge, intramedullary femoral stem failure has not been previously reported after cemented total hip replacement in the dog. Factors believed to have contributed to implant failure in these dogs are discussed and compared with the same complication in humans.