Our Summary

This research paper talks about a new method for treating severe hip pain in medium to large breed dogs. This pain is usually caused by hip dysplasia, a common skeletal condition in dogs. The usual treatment is a total hip replacement (THR), where the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. There are two main types of this procedure - one using cement to fix the artificial joint in place, and the other not using cement. The cementless method can sometimes be a better choice, as it can avoid the problem of the cement loosening over time.

The Zurich Cementless THR system is a new kind of cementless hip replacement. It uses a combination of a press-fit component (which is pushed into place and held there by pressure) and a locking screw to fix the artificial joint in place. This system is designed to offer the benefits of both cemented and cementless methods, providing immediate stability and avoiding the problem of loosening.

The research concludes that the Zurich THR system is a good treatment option for dogs with hip dysplasia.

FAQs

  1. What is the gold standard treatment for intractable pain from hip dysplasia?
  2. What are the two main categories of total hip replacement procedures?
  3. What is the Zurich Cementless THR system and how does it address the challenge of aseptic loosening in hip replacement procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hip replacement is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan closely. This may include physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint and improve mobility. It is important to stick to the prescribed exercises and instructions from your healthcare team to ensure a successful recovery and long-term function of the hip replacement.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hip replacement surgery include those with severe hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, hip fractures, and other conditions that cause persistent pain and limited mobility in the hip joint. These patients may have tried other conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications without success. Total hip replacement surgery is often considered when these conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief of symptoms.

Timeline

Before hip replacement:

  1. Patient experiences chronic hip pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes consultation with orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to assess overall health and suitability for surgery.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions.

After hip replacement:

  1. Patient undergoes total hip replacement surgery, which involves removing damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic components.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for post-operative complications and pain management.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and function in the hip joint.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues physical therapy at home or in a rehabilitation facility.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences reduced pain and improved mobility in the hip joint.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of hip replacement procedure do you recommend for my condition (cemented, cementless, hybrid)?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hip replacement surgery?

  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after hip replacement surgery?

  4. How long can I expect the hip replacement to last before needing a revision surgery?

  5. What activities or movements should I avoid after hip replacement surgery to prevent complications?

  6. Will I need physical therapy after hip replacement surgery, and if so, for how long?

  7. How soon after surgery can I expect to return to normal activities and exercise?

  8. What type of follow-up care will be necessary after hip replacement surgery?

  9. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with the hip replacement?

  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should consider after hip replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hummel D. Journal: Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2017 Jul;47(4):917-934. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.02.004. Epub 2017 Apr 22. PMID: 28442161