Complications and radiographic findings following cemented total hip replacement

SummaryCemented total hip replacement (cTHR) is commonly performed to treat intractable coxofemoral pain in dogs. While owners generally perceive a good outcome after the procedure, the longevity of the implant may be limited by complications such as infection and aseptic loosening. The objective of this retrospective study was to identify the prevalence of complications and radiographic changes following cTHR, and to identify factors that may predispose to a need for revision surgery. Medical records and radiographs from 97 dogs that underwent cTHR were evaluated for signalment, preoperative degree of osteoarthritis, technical errors, intra-operative culture results, and the post-operative radiographic appearance of the implant. The complications occurring in the intra-operative and short-term (<eight week) periods, and the radiographic appearance of the implant in the long-term (>eight week) time period were recorded. Mean (±SD) follow-up time was 1.1 ± 1.6 years (range: 0–7.7 years). Seven dogs had a short-term complication and a revision surgery was performed in eleven dogs. Osseous or cement changes were radiographically detectable in the majority of cTHR. Eccentric positioning of the femoral stem and the presence of radiolucent lines at the femoral cement-bone interface were positively associated with the occurrence of revision surgery. The clinical significance of the periprosthetic radiographic changes is unclear and further investigation is warranted.