Cementless total hip replacement in 20 juveniles using BFX™ arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Canine Surgery
• Biomaterials in Implants

Background:

• Canine hip dysplasia often causes debilitating pain in skeletally immature dogs.
• Medical management for hip dysplasia can be unsatisfactory, necessitating surgical intervention.
• Cementless total hip replacement (THR) is an option for managing severe hip pain in young dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes of cementless THR using BioMedtrix BFX™ biologic fixation implants.
• To assess implant stability, survivability, and return to function in skeletally immature dogs after THR.
• To describe complications and clinical results following THR in young dogs with hip dysplasia.

Main Methods:

• A case series review of 20 skeletally immature dogs (6-10 months old) that underwent cementless THR.
• Analysis of preoperative and postoperative radiographs (immediate, 6 weeks, >1 year) to assess implant positioning and stability.
• Clinical examinations at 6 weeks and >1 year, with owner questionnaires for functional outcome assessment.

Main Results:

• Satisfactory implant positioning and stability were observed on radiographs up to a mean of 29.8 months postoperatively.
• Significant changes in femoral stem fill and level occurred early postoperatively but were not clinically significant and did not progress.
• All dogs showed marked improvement in lameness and pain by 6 weeks, with no major complications requiring revision surgery.

Conclusions:

• Cementless THR with BioMedtrix BFX™ implants is a safe and effective treatment for skeletally immature dogs with hip dysplasia.
• The procedure ensures a satisfactory return to normal joint function and provides implant survivability for at least 29.8 months.
• This surgical approach offers a viable solution for young dogs experiencing debilitating hip pain unresponsive to conservative management.