Severe Polyethylene Wear Requiring Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Three Dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the occurrence of severe polyethylene wear of the acetabular component in 3 dogs that ultimately led to implant failure, and to report the outcome of revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in these cases.


METHODS
Case report


METHODS
Dogs (n=3).


RESULTS
Three dogs with hip dysplasia underwent routine THA before 2 years of age. All dogs became acutely lame 4-5 years after THA. Radiographs revealed acetabular cup wear in all cases, shell fragmentation in 2 cases, and additional stem failure in 1 case. All dogs underwent successful revision surgery, during which severe polyethylene wear and metallosis was observed. Revision surgery provided an excellent clinical outcome in all dogs from 10 months to 4 years post revision.


CONCLUSIONS
Polyethylene wear and implant failure may be a significant long-term complication of THA not previously recognized, which may be especially true when placed at an early age in a large breed, active dog, or in a dog with significant morbidity associated with other limbs. A successful revision was achieved in all 3 dogs. Additional investigation is warranted to document the risk factors associated with severe polyethylene wear in canine THA.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts.
Valerie E
VE
Nesser
Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts.
Michael P
MP
Kowaleski
Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts.
Randy J
RJ
Boudrieau
D000818:Animals; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000662:veterinary*; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000032:analysis*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure / Q000209:etiology*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000662:veterinary*
D020959:Polyethylene