Many equine veterinarians need joint replacements as they age. Equine practice is a physical career with many repetitive movements that stress joints. Palpating mares for hours during the reproductive season or kneeling over sick neonates might seem of no consequence in your early years, but after three decades, these stresses can catch up to you. Whether it is a shoulder, knee, or hip that gives out, a joint replacement can bring positive changes that reduce pain and increase function.
History of Joint Replacement Surgery
In a review examining the progression of total hip arthroplasty from its origins, Knight et al. state the earliest recorded hip replacement attempt occurred in Germany in 1891. Those results were presented at the 10th International Medical Conference, where Professor Themistocles Glück described the use of ivory to replace femoral heads of patients whose hip joints had been destroyed by tuberculosis.
Modern hip joint replacement was first performed in the 1960s, with the femoral head of the hip joint removed and replaced with a socket and ball implant composed of polythene and steel and anchored with acrylic cement. In the 1970s, the condylar knee prosthesis was developed, which essentially relined the joint. Designs and instrumentation have continued to improve and better restore the anatomy of joints. As modern materials have been developed, the life span of joint replacements has increased sharply, allowing even younger patients to enjoy long-term results.
When Is Joint Replacement Recommended?
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to replace some or all of a joint. Trauma that causes fractures or post-traumatic arthritis from serious injuries can be a common reason for needing a joint replacement. Arthroplasties are some of the most common surgeries, with surgeons performing more than 850,000 knee replacements and more than 450,000 hip replacements every year in the U.S. Generally, physicians recommend joint replacement surgery if you have severe symptoms that don’t improve after trying nonsurgical treatments such as activity modifications, physical therapy, or medications.
Many equine veterinarians work until they are lame before seeking treatment. Symptoms that might indicate you need an arthroplasty include joint pain, decreased range of motion, limited mobility, effusion, or instability. Radiographs of an arthritic joint will reveal bone spurs, cysts, and/or narrowing of the joint space between bones, indicating cartilage loss.
Joint Replacement Procedure and Recovery
During an arthroplasty procedure, your surgeon will remove damaged cartilage and bone, insert prosthetics to recreate your joint, and reshape the surrounding bone if needed to fit the new prosthetic. Surgeons often use robotic assistance to replace bigger joints like hips and knees. The recovery time depends on which joint was replaced, but it usually takes at least a few months. Returning to work too early is a mistake, because weakened muscles can lead to soft tissue injuries or falls.
Final Thoughts
Caring for yourself with the same focus you would give your patients is not easy for some veterinarians. The time off from work and rehabilitation requirements stop many doctors from seeking treatment until they are significantly disabled and experiencing continual pain. Consider treating your physical body as an important resource that deserves the best. Increased functionality and decreased pain will be your reward.
Related Reading
- Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Aging Gracefully
- Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Living With Chronic Pain
- Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Simple Ways to Feel Better
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