Total Joint Replacement

<h2>Total Joint Replacement</h2> <h6>What is total joint replacement?</h6> <p>Total joint replacement is an advanced surgical procedure, which involves replacing an entire joint surface with metal and plastic implants. The implants are secured directly to the bone - some have a porous coating to allow the bone to grow directly into the implant, while others are secured using bone cement. The implants are designed to be extremely durable, and in dogs, will typically last the lifespan of the patient (unlike in humans where implants may need to be replaced every 10-25 years).</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="../../pictures/0000/0479/total_joint_001.jpg" alt="http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/pictures/0000/0479/total_joint_001.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h6>Which joints can receive total joint replacement in dogs?</h6> <p>We currently offer total joint replacements for the hip, elbow, stifle (knee) and hock (ankle). <br />Total Hip Replacement (THR) is well established in dogs and has been for many years, with many hundreds of dogs being operated every year worldwide. Most dogs will have an excellent outcome following THR and complication rate is very low.</p> <p><img src="../../pictures/0000/0481/total_joint_002.jpg" alt="http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/pictures/0000/0481/total_joint_002.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Total Elbow Replacement (TER) and Total Knee Replacement (TKR) have only been available over the last few years in dogs, and we are one of only a handful of veterinary hospitals in the UK to offer these treatments. Results to date have been very positive, and although the incidence of complications has generally been higher than for Total Hip Replacement, recent improvements in implant design are expected to reduce the complication rate substantially.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="../../pictures/0000/0483/total_joint_003.jpg" alt="http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/pictures/0000/0483/total_joint_003.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Total Hock Replacement (THoR) is a novel procedure in dogs. We are the only centre worldwide to currently offer this treatment.</p> <h6>When is total joint replacement performed?</h6> <p>Joint replacement is considered to be a salvage procedure, and is only performed where other management techniques will be unable to restore comfortable joint function. In dogs, the most common cause is severe osteoarthritis, usually due to an underlying joint condition such as hip dysplasia (hip), medial coronoid disease (elbow), osteochondrosis (elbow, hock, knee) or cruciate ligament rupture (knee). In most patients, we will attempt to perform non-surgical or less aggressive surgical treatments prior to total joint replacement.<br /><br />In rare circumstances, total joint replacement may also be used to manage specific fractures and dislocations, severe traumatic injuries, some joint tumours or certain developmental conditions.</p> <h6>What are the risks of total joint replacement?</h6> <p>There are various possible risks associated with total joint replacement, including dislocation, infection and loosening of the implants. Rare complications such as fracture of the bone around the implants, damage to nearby nerves, and even death caused by embolisation of blood clots or fat to the lungs are also possible. The precise risks vary between patients, surgical techniques and joint to be replaced. For Total Hip Replacement, the overall complication rate is approximately 10%, although many dogs with complications will still have a positive long-term outcome if managed appropriately. <br /><br />It is essential to discuss the possible risks and anticipated benefits with an experienced orthopaedic surgeon on an individual basis when considering total joint replacement for your pet. We will only recommend total joint replacement if we believe that it is in your pet’s best interest, and we believe that the most important factor is an experienced, well-equipped and professional surgical team.</p> <h6>Are there any circumstances where Total Joint Replacement cannot be performed?</h6> <p>Total joint replacement is technically possible in all patients and we are now even able to perform Total Hip Replacement even in cats. However, some patients may not be suitable for total joint replacement where the risk of complications is higher than the likely benefits to be gained -- such as in patients with severe heart disease, severe hormonal or immune disorders, clotting disorders, certain tumours, uncontrolled bone or joint infections or where there may not be enough bone to hold the implants. Total Joint Replacement and can be performed in most patients from 8-12 months or older. There is no upper age limit for total joint replacement.</p>  <p> </p>

2009-08-27T15:21:43Z

We are truly grateful for the compassion you have shown and for the skill with which you repaired that fated leg. Giving Roo back the ability to run freely and climb is priceless...

Cindy

Total hip replacement for canine hip dysplasia, total knee replacement, TPLO, TTA, slipped disc and bone fracture management are a few of the operations we perform on a daily basis.

surgery, rehabilitation, Fitzpatrick, referrals, small animal, orthopaedic, neurology, veterinary specialist, vets, nurse, health, care, dog boarding, pet, veterinary emergency, referral service, dog veterinary, animal hospital, veterinary hospital, mri, scan, xray, ultrasonic, hydrotherapy, canine

Veterinary Surgery | Knee and Hip Pathology

2,34

total_joint_replacement Total Joint Replacement

2009-12-02T20:54:29Z