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Daroplasty (sometimes referred to as acetabular augmentation) is an orthopedic surgical procedure that aims to:

• deepen the acetabulum of the hip joint,
• improve the fit of the femoral head to the acetabulum,
• prevent further progression of hip dysplasia (CHD - Canine Hip Dysplasia).

What does the procedure consist of?

During a daroplasty, the surgeon:

1. Exposes the hip joint, allowing access to the pelvic acetabulum
2. Cuts a bone fragment from the iliac crest (e.g., the hip bone plate)
3. This bone fragment is implanted into the acetabulum so as to deepen the acetabulum and increase coverage of the femoral head.
4. Sometimes cartilage-bone grafts are used.

The procedure is performed mainly in young dogs (usually <10-12 months) where the acetabulum is still developing, but already showing underdevelopment or instability.

Indications for daroplasty:

• Young dog with signs of hip dysplasia,
• No degenerative changes in the joint (daroplasty is preventive, not curative),
• Large breed dogs with predisposition (Labrador, German Shepherd, Golden, Rottweiler, etc.),
• As an alternative or complement to double pelvic osteotomy (DPO).

Recovery:

• Restriction of movement for several weeks,
• Gradual rehabilitation,
• X-ray checks to assess alignment and healing,
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.

It is worth remembering the early radiological diagnosis at 12-16 weeks and at 4-6 months. Thanks to it, we are able to prevent and/or treat worsening hip dysplasia. Early detection of the disease allows for a wider choice among available treatments. In addition, the older the patient - and the more advanced the stage of dysplasia - the higher the cost of treatment.