Kyon Cementless Total Hip Replacement

South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists offers the KYON cementless total hip replacement (THR) surgery for dogs suffering from Hip Dysplasia. Dr. Hancock has performed the KYON cementless THR for over 7 years with great success. THR surgery is commonly performed in thousands of people each year to help treat debilitating arthritis of the hip joint. Over the last 20 years, THR has become a common procedure to eliminate the arthritic pain, stiffness, and debilitation caused by hip arthritis in medium to large breed dogs. Osteoarthritis is a common orthopedic problem in dogs and can create severe morbidity and lameness in affected patients. It is often caused by hip dysplasia, a multifactoral orthopedic disease, which causes progressive lameness and pain.

The cementless THR procedure is the gold standard of treatment for canine osteoarthritis of the hip. This procedure allows for improved and more predictable clinical outcomes than femoral head and neck excision (FHO), especially in medium and large breed dogs. The hip joint is essentially a “sball and socket”s joint. The head and neck of the femur forms the ball, which joins to the acetabulum of the pelvis (socket), to provide movement. The basic process of a total hip replacement surgery includes removal of the arthritic femoral head (ball), preparation of the acetabulum (socket), and replacement with titanium and plastic implants that allow the hip to function without pain through a full range of motion.

Previously, the standard technique for THR in dogs has used bone cement to secure THR implants. While this method is very strong initially, the implants can loosen and revision surgery or even implant removal may be required in later years. In addition, the cemented system may, in a small number of cases, contribute to complications such as infection. Cementless THR has the added benefits of early implantation in young dogs, ease of procedure, easier revision, and decreased complication rates.

The KYON cementless system allows for implantation of a titanium femoral stem and acetabular implant in dogs without the use of cement. The implants were designed in Switzerland and require precise preparation of the patient’s bone in order to be installed without the use of cement. The titanium acetabular component (or cup) is designed to be press fit into the prepared acetabular bone and secured with a self tapping titanium bone screw. The femoral stem is inserted and secured with 4-5 titanium screws, based on the dog’s size.

The implants have a plasma coated, rough blasted surface that allows the bone to grow into the implant. This osseous bond increases with time and bone anchoring to the implant occurs as early as 8 weeks. In most instances, this biologic fixation will be more secure and longer lasting than those using cement, with less chance of wear particulate, aseptic loosening, and infection. The Zurich system has an added benefit of being able to be used is immature animals, as early as 10 months of age.

On consultation, Dr. Hancock will take x-rays to determine whether a THR is right for your dog. Measurements are taken, implants ordered, and surgery can then be scheduled.

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