Huels et al: Complications and Long-Term Outcome in 30 Canine Total Hip Arthroplasties Using a Second-Generation Selective Laser Melted Screw Cup
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Total complication rate was 16.7%, with 5/30 hips experiencing major complications, mostly related to the femoral component.
  • Cup-associated complications were rare (3.3%), with only one case of acetabular cup luxation attributed to surgical technique rather than implant failure.
  • No cases of late aseptic loosening were observed during a median follow-up of 17.5 months.
  • Implant stability was attributed to the SCSL's porous, trabecular titanium surface, enhancing osseointegration.
  • Three femoral stem fractures occurred in a single dog, leading to implant removal; material testing was not performed.
  • Most complications were femoral in origin (6/7), not acetabular, suggesting improved performance of the SCSL.
  • Explantation rate was 13% (4/30), but some removals were due to owner preference against revision.
  • Subjective functional outcome was full recovery in 26/30 hips, including one with successful revision of stem subsidence.

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Huels et al: Complications and Long-Term Outcome in 30 Canine Total Hip Arthroplasties Using a Second-Generation Selective Laser Melted Screw Cup
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Total complication rate was 16.7%, with 5/30 hips experiencing major complications, mostly related to the femoral component.
  • Cup-associated complications were rare (3.3%), with only one case of acetabular cup luxation attributed to surgical technique rather than implant failure.
  • No cases of late aseptic loosening were observed during a median follow-up of 17.5 months.
  • Implant stability was attributed to the SCSL's porous, trabecular titanium surface, enhancing osseointegration.
  • Three femoral stem fractures occurred in a single dog, leading to implant removal; material testing was not performed.
  • Most complications were femoral in origin (6/7), not acetabular, suggesting improved performance of the SCSL.
  • Explantation rate was 13% (4/30), but some removals were due to owner preference against revision.
  • Subjective functional outcome was full recovery in 26/30 hips, including one with successful revision of stem subsidence.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Huels 2025 et al., on second-generation screw cup THA, what was the most common major complication encountered in this THA case series?

A. Cup luxation
B. Aseptic loosening of cup
C. Stem fracture
D. Dislocation of femoral head
E. Periprosthetic infection

Answer: Stem fracture

Explanation: Three stem fractures occurred in a single dog, making it the most frequent major complication.
In Huels 2025 et al., on second-generation screw cup THA, which implant component was responsible for most major complications?

A. Acetabular cup
B. Femoral stem
C. Femoral head
D. Polyethylene liner
E. Inlay locking ring

Answer: Femoral stem

Explanation: 6 out of 7 major complications were related to the femoral implant, not the acetabular cup.
In Huels 2025 et al., on second-generation screw cup THA, what design feature of the SCSL was intended to reduce acetabular fractures?

A. Snap-fit polyethylene liner
B. Extra-deep seating groove
C. Finned anchoring ridges
D. Finer, self-tapping threads
E. Subchondral screw insertion

Answer: Finer, self-tapping threads

Explanation: These were developed to reduce insertion torque and thereby lower risk of acetabular fractures.
In Huels 2025 et al., on second-generation screw cup THA, what was the observed rate of late aseptic loosening?

A. 1 out of 30 hips
B. 2 out of 30 hips
C. 4 out of 30 hips
D. 7 out of 30 hips
E. None of the hips

Answer: None of the hips

Explanation: No cases of late aseptic loosening were observed during a median 17.5-month follow-up.
In Huels 2025 et al., on second-generation screw cup THA, what was the primary functional outcome observed in dogs following SCSL THA?

A. No improvement
B. Partial lameness reduction
C. Acceptable function in most cases
D. Full recovery in most hips
E. Unacceptable outcome in most cases

Answer: Full recovery in most hips

Explanation: 26 out of 30 hips had full functional recovery, including one revised for stem subsidence.

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