An ovine model for total hip replacement: operative procedure and complications

A cranio-lateral curvilinear incision in the skin was centered over the gre ater trochanter. The subsequent approach to the acetabulum involved blunt d issection and avoided the need For significant muscular incision. The major post-operative complications encountered were fracturing of the proximal ( 2/37) and distal femur (4/37), caudal neuropathy (2/37) and septic Femoral stem loosening (1/37). At two years post-operatively, the morbidity rate wa s 24% and the mortality rate 19%. A regime of analgesia. involving constant infusion of xylazine. was develop ed and appeared very effective.