Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2016; 29(04): 283-289
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-16-02-0028
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Metallosis with pseudotumour formation: Long-term complication following cementless total hip replacement in a dog

Nicola J. Volstad
1   Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
,
Susan L. Schaefer
1   Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
,
Laura A. Snyder
2   Marshfield Labs, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, WI, USA
,
Jeffrey B. Meinen
3   Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center, Waukesha, WI, USA
,
Susannah J. Sample
1   Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 18 February 2016

Accepted: 25 April 2016

Publication Date:
17 December 2017 (online)

Preview

Summary

Case description: A 10-year-old female Belgian Teruven dog was presented to our clinic for total hip revision following a diagnosis of implant (cup) failure with metallosis and abdominal pseudotumour formation. The patient had a cementless metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement performed nine years prior to presentation.

Clinical findings: The clinical findings, including pseudotumour formation locally and at sites distant from the implant and pain associated with the joint replacement, were similar to those described in human patients with this condition. Histopathological, surgical, and radiographic findings additionally supported the diagnosis of metallosis and pseudotumour formation.

Treatment and outcome: Distant site pseudo -tumours were surgically removed and the total hip replacement was explanted due to poor bone quality. The patient recovered uneventfully and has since resumed normal activity.

Conclusion: In veterinary patients with metal-on-polyethylene total hip implants, cup failure leading to metallosis and pseudo-tumour formation should be considered as a potential cause of ipsilateral hindlimb lameness, intra-pelvic abdominal tumours, or a combination of both. These clinical findings may occur years after total hip replacement surgery.