Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on different total hip replacement (THR) systems used in dogs. The scientists were interested in how much of the dog’s bone is preserved during the surgical operation, particularly in a region called the calcar. They developed and tested a new method to measure how much bone was cut off during surgery (an osteotomy) using x-rays.

The researchers took x-rays of 33 dogs who had undergone hip replacement surgery using two different THR systems, called Helica and BFX. They also looked at x-rays from an additional 10 dogs who had another type of THR, called Zurich. Three people independently measured the osteotomy level (how much bone was cut off) in the x-rays, and their results were compared to ensure the measurement technique was accurate.

The results showed that the location of the bone cut-off was significantly different between the three THR types. The Helica system preserved more bone (the cut-off point was more ‘proximal’, or closer to the center of the body) compared to both the BFX and Zurich systems. The BFX system also preserved more bone compared to the Zurich system.

In simpler terms, if you imagine the dog’s leg bone as a stick, the Helica system only cuts off a small piece from the top of the stick, while the BFX and Zurich systems cut off a larger piece. The researchers concluded that the method of measuring the cut-off location was effective, and that the amount of bone preserved during surgery varied between different hip replacement systems.

FAQs

  1. What was the primary aim of the study conducted on total hip replacement systems used in dogs?
  2. How did the researchers measure the amount of bone cut-off during the hip replacement surgery?
  3. What were the main findings of the research on the amount of bone preserved with different hip replacement systems?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hip replacement is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes. This may include physical therapy exercises, medication management, and restrictions on certain activities to prevent complications. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider to address them promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hip replacement surgery are those who are experiencing severe hip pain and disability due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fractures. These patients may have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily activities due to the pain and stiffness in their hip joint.

Additionally, patients who have not experienced significant relief from conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections may also be considered for hip replacement surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine if they are a suitable candidate for hip replacement surgery based on their overall health, age, and the severity of their hip condition.

Timeline

Before hip replacement:

  • Patient experiences hip pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  • Patient undergoes consultations with orthopedic surgeons to discuss treatment options.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

During hip replacement:

  • Patient undergoes hip replacement surgery under general anesthesia.
  • Surgeon removes damaged parts of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
  • Surgery typically takes a few hours to complete.

After hip replacement:

  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and rehabilitation.
  • Patient begins physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hip joint.
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the hip area, which can be managed with medication.
  • Patient gradually resumes daily activities and exercises to improve hip function.
  • Over time, patient experiences improved hip function, reduced pain, and increased mobility.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hip replacement include:

  1. Which specific total hip replacement system will be used in my surgery?
  2. How much of my bone will be preserved during the hip replacement surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the hip replacement procedure?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  5. How long can I expect the hip replacement to last before needing a revision surgery?
  6. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the hip replacement surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of the total hip replacement system being used in my surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing hip replacement surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing hip replacement surgeries with the specific THR system being used?
  10. How can I best prepare for the hip replacement surgery in terms of lifestyle changes and physical therapy?

Reference

Authors: Franklin SP, Franklin AL, Feyerabend N, Hayashi K, Miller NA, Cook JL. Journal: Open Vet J. 2022 Nov-Dec;12(6):975-979. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i6.25. Epub 2022 Dec 13. PMID: 36650855