Total Hip Replacement

(THR)

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a multi-factorial, polygenic, inherited disease influenced by environmental factors. The first changes occur shortly after birth and can progress rapidly or slowly, over months or years. Whilst screening tests for parents are available to help prevent passing the genes on to the next generation, unfortunately, these do not accurately predict the severity of the disease in the individual or the need for treatment.

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Treatment of Hip Dysplasia:

Medical management (weight loss, exercise moderation, joint health medication and pain relief) can and should be used in the first instance, as radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia does not correlate well with the clinical progression of the disease or accurately predict the response to treatment. 

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However, when severely abnormal hips are seen on radiographs, gait abnormalities are present on clinical exam and quality of life is affected, THR may be considered early, particularly in young dogs with a desired high - level of activity.

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What is a THR?

THR involves complete removal of the diseased hip joint (ball and socket) and implanting a prosthesis to restore normal, pain-free function.

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The THR prosthesis is composed of an acetabular cup, cup liner, femoral head and stem, sized for each individual patient.

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The most commonly implanted cup and stem are made of porous titanium, allowing bone from the pelvis and thigh bone to grow into the prosthesis for long-term survival (a process known as osseointegration). This prosthesis has been used in dogs over the past 20 years and has established a good track record. Once integrated, the prosthesis has a life expectancy of >15 years.

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Prognosis:

The prognosis following THR is generally excellent for most dogs following a strict 12-week recovery process.

 

A small percentage of dogs may experience complications, including dislocation, fracture, implant failure, or infection, which may necessitate further surgery or even removal of the hip prosthesis. Anaesthetic complications are rare in otherwise healthy dogs.