Fracka et al. (2024) presented the long-term clinical outcomes of a cementless total knee replacement (TKR) in a seven-year-old male neutered Labrador retriever with end-stage osteoarthritis. The dog showed severe bilateral stifle degeneration, where TKR was deemed more appropriate than tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).
Following surgery, immediate radiographs confirmed proper implant positioning. Within two weeks, the dog displayed moderate lameness but had regained pain-free and stable stifle range of motion (ROM). By six weeks, weight-bearing improved to 70% of body weight on the operated limb, compared to 50% on the contralateral leg, and radiographs showed successful implant osseointegration.
At 14 and 30 weeks, continued improvements in stifle ROM and functional weight-bearing were observed. Over the long term, the dog maintained stable function. At euthanasia six years later (for reasons unrelated to the implant), radiographs confirmed static implant position without osteolysis. Gross pathology revealed only mild polyethylene wear, and histology confirmed robust bone-implant osseointegration.
This case provides strong evidence that cementless TKR can deliver durable joint function in canine patients, potentially supporting earlier surgical intervention in cases of advanced osteoarthritis. The findings add to the growing body of veterinary orthopedic research emphasizing the viability of advanced surgical options for long-term mobility and welfare.
Source: Fracka, A. B., Allen, M. J., & Déjardin, L. (2024). Long‐term clinical outcomes and retrieval analysis of a cementless total knee replacement in a dog. Veterinary Surgery, 54, 621–631. Authors: A. B. Fracka, M. J. Allen, L. Déjardin. Journal: Veterinary Surgery.
