News

August 2007
First knee replacement operation in a dog in Europe performed at Willows Referral Service, Solihull, UK.

On 22 August Grace, a seven year old bearded collie, become the first dog in Europe to have a total knee replacement. Her owners travelled to Willows Referral Service from Whitley Bay in Northumberland to have this pioneering surgery. Grace's quality of life had become adversely affected by her crippled stifle arthritis that was causing constant pain and poor mobility. Small Animal Orthopaedic Specialists Malcolm McKee and Toby Gemmill performed the operation which went very well with no complications.

Grace is making an excellent recovery as she enters a period of rehabilitation that will include physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Given the fact that arthritis of the stifle (knee) in dogs is very common and can be crippling, the advent of this procedure in the dog world gives hope for the alleviation of pain and return to a more active lifestyle for a significant number of patients.

Joint replacement surgery demands the highest levels of operating theatre technique and sterility. Orthopaedic specialists Malcolm McKee and Toby Gemmill prepare to operate on Grace's knee - it has been covered in a special draping material which is impregnated with iodine. The knee with both implants (one metal and one plastic) in place, just before wound closure. Post-operative radiograph (looking from front to back) of Grace's artificial knee joint. Post-operative radiograph (looking from the side) of the replacement joint. Grace pictured with Diploma Veterinary Nurse, Amy. The patch on Grace's side is for delivering a powerful pain-killer to make her more comfortable after the operation.