Our Summary

This study looked at the incidence and outcomes of a specific issue that can occur during total hip replacement (THR) surgeries in dogs: polar gaps. Polar gaps are small spaces that can appear in the area where the artificial hip is inserted. The researchers examined X-rays of 200 hips from 155 dogs that had undergone this surgery.

They found that polar gaps were fairly common, appearing in about 68% of the X-rays taken from one angle and 40% of those taken from another angle, right after the surgery. These gaps were usually less than 1 millimeter deep. However, they also found that these gaps disappeared within five weeks after the surgery, causing no harmful effects or requiring no extra treatment.

In conclusion, while polar gaps are commonly seen in X-rays right after a dog’s THR surgery, they don’t require any intervention and resolve on their own without causing any problems. This information could be useful for surgeons when interpreting postoperative X-rays.

FAQs

  1. What are polar gaps in the context of total hip replacement surgeries in dogs?
  2. How common are polar gaps in postoperative X-rays of dogs that underwent hip replacement surgery?
  3. Do polar gaps after a dog’s THR surgery require any extra treatment or intervention?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a hip replacement that it is normal to see small spaces, known as polar gaps, on X-rays immediately after the surgery. These gaps typically resolve on their own within five weeks and do not cause any harmful effects. It is important for patients to follow their postoperative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hip replacement surgery are those who are experiencing severe hip pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, hip fractures, or hip dysplasia. These patients may have tried other non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and injections without success. Hip replacement surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief and the patient’s quality of life is significantly affected.

Timeline

Before hip replacement:

  1. Patient experiences hip pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  2. Patient consults with a doctor who recommends hip replacement surgery.
  3. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to determine the patient’s eligibility for surgery.

After hip replacement:

  1. Patient undergoes hip replacement surgery, which typically lasts a few hours.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital for a few days post-surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hip.
  4. Patient may experience temporary pain and discomfort during the recovery period.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved mobility and reduced pain in the hip.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the success rate of hip replacement surgery in general, and what is your personal success rate?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hip replacement surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process, and what can I expect in terms of pain management and physical therapy?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications after the surgery?
  5. What type of implant will be used in my hip replacement, and why is this the best option for me?
  6. How long can I expect the hip replacement to last, and what should I watch out for in terms of signs of potential problems?
  7. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that could impact the success of the surgery?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I return to my normal activities, such as driving, working, and exercising?
  9. Will I need to follow up with you regularly after the surgery, and what are the signs that I should seek medical attention immediately?
  10. Are there any specific postoperative instructions or precautions that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Liska WD, Israel SK, Poteet BA. Journal: Vet Surg. 2019 Apr;48(3):321-335. doi: 10.1111/vsu.13179. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PMID: 30784088