CANINE CEMENTED TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENTS - STATE-OF-THE-ART

Total hip replacements in the dog have become well established over th e past 20 years as an effective method for treating disabling hip cond itions. A fixed head prosthesis has been the mainstay during most of t his period. Return to normal function with this prosthesis has been re ported at 95 per cent. Although patient selection, pre- and post surgi cal care, the surgical technique and the treatment or prevention of co mplications has been continually improved, it was not until recently t hat the prosthesis and its instrumentation were improved. Now a modula r prosthesis with improved instrumentation gives the veterinary surgeo n 'state of the art' implants and instruments. The prosthesis is easie r to implant, the surgeon has greater flexibility in surgery and impro ved results are expected. Total hip replacement continues to be an eff ective way to give dogs a pain-free, mechanically sound hip joint.