Our Summary

This research studied the effectiveness and risks of a specific hip replacement system, called the Zurich total hip replacement system, when used in dogs by a single surgeon. The researcher looked back at the first 21 procedures performed by this surgeon on 19 dogs.

They considered complications as “major” if they required additional treatment or led to the dog walking or moving in a way that was less normal than before. “Minor” complications were those that didn’t require treatment and didn’t affect the dog’s movement significantly.

The study found that the average time the dogs were observed after surgery was 48 weeks. Two out of the 21 procedures led to major complications - one dog started rotating its leg too much when walking and another had a hip dislocation. One dog had a minor complication, a fracture in the thigh bone, but the bone plate kept everything aligned and it healed without needing extra treatment.

The research concluded that the Zurich total hip replacement system can be quite effective with a low rate of major complications, at least for surgeons who are already experienced with other hip replacement systems.

FAQs

  1. What is the Zurich total hip replacement system?
  2. What types of complications were considered “major” and “minor” in this study on the Zurich total hip replacement system in dogs?
  3. What was the conclusion of the study regarding the effectiveness and risks of the Zurich total hip replacement system?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hip replacement surgery is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon and physical therapist. This includes doing prescribed exercises to strengthen the hip muscles, avoiding certain movements that could put strain on the new hip joint, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and long-term function of the hip replacement.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hip replacement surgery are those who are experiencing severe hip pain and limited mobility due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures. These patients may have tried other non-surgical treatments without success and are looking for a long-term solution to improve their quality of life.

Timeline

Before hip replacement:

  • Patient experiences chronic hip pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion
  • Patient may have tried non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections with minimal relief

After hip replacement:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Surgery is performed, usually requiring a hospital stay of a few days
  • Patient undergoes post-operative physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility
  • Patient may experience temporary pain and discomfort during the recovery process
  • Over time, patient experiences significant improvement in hip function, pain relief, and ability to engage in daily activities without limitations

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of hip replacement system will be used in my procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this specific hip replacement system?
  3. How experienced are you with this particular hip replacement system?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  5. What factors can affect the success of the hip replacement surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up procedures after the hip replacement?
  8. How long can I expect the hip replacement to last before needing a revision surgery?
  9. What activities or movements should I avoid after the surgery to prevent complications?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or physical therapy recommendations to help with recovery and long-term success of the hip replacement?

Reference

Authors: Franklin SP, Miller NA, Riecks T. Journal: Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2021 Sep;34(5):346-351. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1730366. Epub 2021 Jun 3. PMID: 34082457