Arthritis of the hip joints is very common in nearly all breeds of dogs, usually resulting from a growth deformity called hip dysplasia. When diagnosed by 16 weeks old using screening x-rays, hip dysplasia can be prevented using a minor surgical procedure, called symphisiodesis (destruction), of the pelvic growth plate. If dogs are symptomatic (difficulty getting up, stiff in the morning, limited exercise) by 6-14 months old, a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) is often useful to prevent further damage to the joint. Early x-ray diagnosis is essential to the efficacy of either of these procedures. Small dogs (less than 35 lbs.) can usually benefit from Femoral Head and Neck Resection (FHO), which is removal of the ball, or head of the femur, which completely obliterates the joint.

Total hip replacement (THR) has the benefit of restoring the joint to full function, returning the dog’s ability to work, and eliminating pain. THR is used in young dogs whose hips are out of socket from dysplasia, dogs that have had severe hip trauma, and middle aged and older dogs with chronic dysplasia in which anti-inflammatory drugs do not adequately control pain. Having undergone extensive changes in the last few years, artificial hips were previously cemented in place, and over time the cement predictably loosened, requiring further surgery. Now, as in people, we use press-fit implants that require no bone cement. The implants are precision fit into the bone and stay there at first from bone friction, until the bone grows into the implant for lifetime stability. These rarely if ever loosen after bone ingrowth (3 months after surgery).

Currently, I use the Biomedtrix biologic fixation implants (BFX) in more than 90% of hips replaced. Some older dogs have weak bone quality such that either the bone is not strong enough to support the implant before the bone ingrows. Also, some dog breeds have bone conformation that will not support the biologic implants. In these cases, which comprise less than 10% of dogs, I still use cement to hold the hip components in place. Go to the Biomedtrix website for further details and veterinarians in your area who are trained in (BFX) surgical technique. The ACVS website has excellent articles on treatment of hip dysplasia.