# Successful Reimplantation of a Femoral Stem Fracture After Cementless Total Hip Replacement Using the Femoral Window Technique in a Small Dog

## TL;DR

A small dog successfully had a broken hip implant replaced using a special surgical technique, showing this method works well for tiny animals.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the effectiveness of the femoral window technique for stem replacement in small dogs after cementless total hip replacement.

## Key findings

- The femoral window technique successfully replaced a fractured stem in a Toy Poodle.
- The dog recovered fully with no lameness after the second surgery.
- The case highlights the importance of proper stem selection and placement during initial hip replacement.

## Abstract

A 1-year-old Toy Poodle underwent a cementless total hip replacement for Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease. Six months after surgery, the dog developed lameness and radiography revealed a stem fracture. A second surgery was performed to replace the broken stem using a “window technique”, where a small opening was made in the femur to remove the damaged stem and insert another stem that was one size larger. The surgery was successful, and the dog recovered without further lameness. This case demonstrates that the window technique can be effective for stem replacement in small dogs and emphasizes the importance of the careful placement and selection of the stem during the initial surgery.

Total hip replacement (THR) is a common procedure used in veterinary medicine to treat hip joint diseases, particularly in medium- and large-sized dogs. Although cementless techniques have become the standard owing to concerns regarding the aseptic loosening of cemented implants, complications such as stem fractures can still occur. This study reports a case of a 1-year-old, 2.8 kg Toy Poodle that underwent cementless THR using the Zurich mini-cementless hip system to treat Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease. Six months post-surgery, the dog developed a fractured stem, and a second surgery was performed using the “window technique” to replace the broken stem. The procedure involved creating a small window in the femoral cortex to remove the damaged stem and insert a new one. The dog recovered successfully with no further lameness. This case highlights the effectiveness of the window technique for stem replacement in small dogs and emphasizes the importance of optimal stem selection and positioning during the initial THR.