Total Hip Replacement

Total Hip Replacement has been a fundamental strategy in the treatment of hip dysplasia since the first procedure in 1976. Though implant technology has changed through the years, the procedure has stood the tests of time, providing many dogs worldwide with a much improved quality of life. 

I performed my first hip replacement procedure in 1982. The patient was a German Shepherd used as a guard dog from the Appleton area. At that time, we were very limited as to the implants that were available – both femoral and acetabular. We had two sizes – Medium and Large, requiring us to fit the implants to the patient. Since that time, the sizes of the cemented components have become much more numerous so we can more closely have components ideally sized for each individual patient.

Despite being a graduate of Michigan State University, I actually received my training at ‘the’ Ohio State University. Drs. Bruce Hohn and Marv Olmstead were pioneers in canine total hip replacement, and it was very rewarding to learn directly from these two surgeons.

2006 brought with it the advent of biologic/ingrowth femoral and acetabular components. I began offering this new type of hip replacement system, after being trained at a BioMedtrix BFX workshop at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland, Florida. The cementless/ingrowth components are very nice to work with, having excellent results, and limiting some complications associated with cemented components.

If you have questions regarding Total Hip Replacement, please do not hesitate to contact Packerland Veterinary Center.