Evaluation of shelf arthroplasty as a treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effects of shelf arthroplasty on coxofemoral joint laxity and progression of degenerative joint disease in young dogs with hip dysplasia.


METHODS
Prospective, controlled study.


METHODS
10 dogs between 10 and 24 months old and weighing between 20 and 27 kg. All dogs had bilateral coxofemoral joint laxity (i.e., an Ortolani's sign).


METHODS
In all dogs, shelf arthroplasty was performed on the right coxofemoral joints, and a sham procedure was performed on the left. Dogs were evaluated before and after surgery by means of lameness assessment, coxofemoral joint palpation and goniometry, thigh circumference measurement, and radiography.


RESULTS
There were no significant changes in coxofemoral joint mobility, range of motion, joint laxity, degree of degenerative joint disease, or thigh circumference during the study. A greater amount of periacetabular bone formed on the right side than on the left side; however, dogs did not develop large bony shelves, and the amount of periarticular bone decreased over time. The polymer implants remained in their original position and were encapsulated by fibrous tissue. There was no histologic evidence of osteoconduction by the implants.


CONCLUSIONS
The polymer implants used in this procedure do not appear to be osteoconductive. Shelf arthroplasty was associated with minimal morbidity and was not associated with serious adverse sequelae in this study, but the procedure did not alter the progression of hip dysplasia in these dogs. We cannot advocate shelf arthroplasty using this polymer as a treatment for dogs with hip dysplasia.
Oakes
M G
MG
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
Lewis
D D
DD
Elkins
A D
AD
Hosgood
G
G
Dial
S M
SM
Oliver
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002081:Buttocks; D018450:Disease Progression; D004285:Dogs; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000662:veterinary*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome