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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Femoral bone infarcts in dogs after Zurich cementless hip replacement

By Marsolais, Gregory S et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2009·Monterey Peninsula Veterinary Surgical Service, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Femoral medullary infarction prevalence with the Zurich Cementless Canine Total Hip arthroplasty.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A group of dogs that received a specific type of hip replacement surgery (Zurich Cementless Total Hip Replacement) was studied to see how often they developed femoral medullary infarcts, which are areas of dead bone tissue. Out of 41 surgeries, 8 dogs showed signs of these infarcts, and those affected were significantly younger, averaging just 18.5 months old. Some of these dogs later experienced issues with the hip implant becoming loose. The findings suggest that younger dogs may be at higher risk for this problem, and it might be beneficial to consider delaying surgery until they are older.

People also search for: dog hip replacement complications · femoral infarct in dogs · young dog hip surgery risks

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To document the prevalence of femoral medullary infarction associated with the Zurich Cementless Total Hip Replacement (ZCTHR) system in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=35) with 41 ZCTHR implants. METHODS: Medical records (February 1999-December 2002) were reviewed for dogs that had ZCTHR and at least 1 year follow-up with radiographic evaluation. Thirty-five dogs (41 ZCTHR) met the inclusion criteria. Femoral morphologic data, implant to bone relationships, and medullary infarcts were recorded. Data were analyzed for associations between infarct occurrence and morphologic details and dog characteristics. RESULTS: Eight of 41 femurs had radiographic evidence of infarcts (19.5%). Dogs with infarcts were significantly younger (mean [+/-SD] age, 18.5+/-5.2 months) compared with those without infarction (mean age, 44.4+/-5.6 months; P=.027). None of the other variables were significantly different between dogs with and without infarcts. Three femurs with infarcts ultimately developed stem loosening. CONCLUSION: A higher prevalence of femoral medullary infarcts was identified with ZCTHR compared with incidence reported for other total hip systems. Younger dogs were more likely to develop infarction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Femoral infarction appears to be associated with stem loosening. Adjustments in surgical technique or delaying surgery beyond 18 months of age may reduce incidence of infarction but needs further evaluation.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19674410/