THR Course

Why THR & PHR?

Veterinary Total Hip Replacement (THR) is simultaneously the most rewarding and frustrating advanced orthopedic surgery. When performed correctly, THR is a profoundly transformative procedure. However, when facing complex primary and revision surgeries, the proper execution can be meticulous, which is why training and technique refinement courses are encouraged to provide the best level of care.

To assist veterinary surgeons in conquering the learning curve of THR, we have instituted a series of training programs appropriate for novice-to-advanced skill and experience levels.

Top reasons why participants take a THR or PHR course:

• THR and PHR surgeries can return patients to a pain-free and fully active life, unlike FHO and medical management.
• THR and PHR enhance the level of care you can provide to your patients.
• A desire to broaden and increase your veterinary skill set and treatment of canine hip dysplasia.

Why with KYON?

• The Zurich Cementless, Total and Partial Hip Replacement System, is the most advanced canine THR system on the market.
• KYON has over 20 years of experience in training surgeons for canine THR surgery
• Strengthen your network with other professionals and instructors.
• KYON provides supplementary documentation before and after the course.
• Small groups and extensive cadaver training in the wet lab courses.

Participants Profile

Before embarking on the veterinary hip replacement journey, it is necessary to consider the financial, logistical, practical, and technical requirements of offering THR and PHR procedures in your clinic.

Your OR and hospital should be suitable for joint replacement surgery. Generally, veterinary THR is most successful when the surgeon/clinic assembles a THR team, makes a serious commitment to cadaver training, has a consistent caseload (~12 per year minimum), and performs regular follow-up examinations.

THR training is appropriate for veterinary surgeons with well-rounded orthopedic experience who are knowledgeable in bone plating, FHO or other hip replacement systems. THR success demands that you are committed to managing potential complications in the short and long term.

Some surgeons and clinics will have more preparation to do than others. We are happy to discuss your specific circumstances and chart a path.

Courses

THR Course Pathway

Zurich Cementless THR – Introduction Course

This 1-day program features an in-depth review of canine hip dysplasia, pathogenesis, early signs and screening, clinical and radiographic exams, requirements for veterinary THR (clinic, experience, and equipment), clinical development and experience, basic surgical technique with optional bone model exercise, guidelines for the clinic and advisement on how to establish a successful canine THR business model in your practice.

Course Outcome: After completing this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure and what is required to offer THR successfully. The course gives you an overview of the available solutions, including partial hip replacement (e.g. Cupless) and Dual-Mobility THR, and how to choose the best option for your patient. You will be able to decide if THR and PHR procedures are viable offerings for your practice and be eligible to attend the Zurich Cementless THR – Intermediate Course.

Duration: 1 Day

Course Type: Dry lab with lecture and discussion

*Prerequisite for all other THR Course offerings*

Zurich Cementless THR – Intermediate Course

The Intermediate course is offered in a 2-day format, mandatory for purchase of the Zurich Cementless THR system. This course does not cover the content included in the Introduction Course. 

Day 1 concentrates on surgical technique, includes a wet lab demonstration, live surgery video with commentary, presentation of tips and tricks during the surgical procedure, and the first wet lab for attendees. 

Day 2 begins with a review of the cases performed on the first day and follows a second cadaver lab and presentations on clinical experience, complications, aftercare, and discussion. Following each lab, instructors and attendees will review and discuss the cases. 

The primary objectives of the Intermediate Course are to communicate the core principles of successful THR surgery, practice in a wet lab setting, and review the cases as a group.

Course Outcome: Following this course you will be eligible to purchase the Zurich Cementless THR instrumentation. After a further submission of three wet lab experiences performed by you that have been assessed by KYON THR instructors as successful, you will be able to also purchase the implants and to begin offering the procedure in your practice. For the first two clinical cases, we offer you mentoring support.

Duration: 2-Days

Course Type: Wet lab with lecture

Requirements: Completion of the Introduction to Zurich Cementless THR Course

Zurich Cementless Stand-Alone Mini THR – Advanced Course

This Stand-alone Mini THR course is directed at veterinary surgeons who are currently active with standard-sized KYON THR systems but have not yet used the new Mini THR system with stem sizes ranging between 3mm and 6mm.

The course is directed at veterinary surgeons who have already gained experience with the Zurich Cementless System with stem sizes above 6mm. It will concentrate on specifics of performing THR surgeries on feline or small dog patients, including a cadaver demo, wet lab, and review as well as discussion of clinical experience and best practices for Mini THR.

The primary objective of this course is to communicate the differences and difficulties of doing Mini THR surgery, practice in a wet lab setting, and review the cases as a group.

Course Outcome: Completion of this course prepares you to perform Mini THR surgery independently and incorporate the procedure into your clinical services.

Duration: 1-day.

The course is usually part of the 2-days THR Advanced Course as described below, in which one day focusses on  discussion and wet-lab experience of complications and revisions, the other day on Mini THR.

Course Type: Wet lab with lecture

Requirements: Completion of the Introduction and Intermediate Course as well as clinical experience with the THR system with stem sizes above 6 mm with a minimum of 25 documented THR cases performed in the past 3 years.

Zurich Cementless Advanced Course 

The Zurich Cementless THR Advanced Course is offered as a 2-day format. The program emphasizes complications, revisions, complex cases, strategies for improving, wet lab exercises, and building up a successful THR practice. While we will review updates to the technique and system, the emphasis of the program is on wet lab exercise. The THR Advanced Course additionally includes training on Mini THR surgery.

Day 1 concentrates on complications and necessary revisions of the standard THR technique. In the morning, THR tips and tricks will be discussed with our THR experts. The afternoon is reserved for detailed information and examples of revisions.  

Day 2 either involves further wet lab experiences and dives deeper into complex cases, complications and revisions, an concentrates on specifics of performing Mini THR surgeries on feline or small dog patients, using the Zurich Cementless Mini THR system with stem sizes from 3mm to 6mm, including a cadaver demo, wet lab, and review as well as discussion of clinical experience and best practices for Mini THR. 

Course Outcome: Completion of this course enhances your experience and confidence in Standard THR surgeries and also prepares you to perform Mini THR surgery independently and incorporate the procedure into your clinical services.

Duration: 2-Days

Course Type: Wet lab with lecture

Requirements: Completion of the Introduction and Intermediate Course as well as a minimum clinical experience of 25 documented THR cases performed in the past 3 years. 

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