Clinical Innovation
Patient-specific 3D implants have made a real difference in complex canine hip surgery. In cats, there is still little published experience with comparable procedures. Dr. Spencer Reid, a Maine Coon mix, is the first documented feline patient to undergo a 3D hip shelf arthroplasty. The case indicates that a custom 3D-printed solution can be used safely in cats when both planning and implant design are built around feline anatomy.
Diagnosting the Silent Patient
Dr. Spencer Reid was presented to the Tiergesundheitszentrum List for a dental check. During the general exam, severe hind limb lameness and clear pain on hip manipulation were noted. Radiographs confirmed instability, but they were not enough for precise planning. A high-resolution CT scan with 3D pelvic reconstruction was used to support digital planning.
A New Implant Design Built for Feline Anatomy
A canine concept cannot simply be scaled down for a cat. The pelvis is smaller, the bone stock is finer, and screw placement leaves little room for error. Early simulations showed a risk of screw trajectories heading towards the sacrum. That meant the team had to abandon the established canine design and develop a new implant concept. The final titanium implant was fixed with four 1.5 mm locking screws and shaped to anchor securely at the acetabulum while protecting the surrounding structures.
Surgery with Focus on Function
An interdisciplinary team performed the procedure with particular attention to the soft tissues. In cats, key hip musculature lies directly over the acetabulum and must be preserved. Because the implant fit and orientation were defined preoperatively, positioning was predictable once the joint was exposed. Intraoperative checks confirmed correct alignment and a clear improvement in joint stability.
Outcome
Postoperatively, Dr. Spencer Reid showed a cautious but steady recovery. Within weeks, weight-bearing improved and the hip remained stable with no further subluxations. Now pain-free, he has returned to full activity and jumping. This case serves as a strong proof of concept for treating complex feline hip disease through CT-based planning and patient-specific 3D manufacturing.
Malte Pfohl
The successful 3D HIP surgery performed on Dr. Spencer Reid marks a milestone in veterinary surgery. It demonstrates that by combining advanced imaging, digital planning, and additive manufacturing, even the most complex feline hip conditions can be successfully treated.
Malte Pfohl, Tiergesundheitszentrum List
SPECIAL THANKS to Malte Pfohl (Tiergesundheitszentrum List)
Implant System used: 3D HIP
Manufacturer: Rita Leibinger Medical
Surgery by: Tiergesundheitszentrum List, Hannover
About Tiergesundheitszentrum List
Your veterinary practice in Hannover, right in the heart of List.
Do you value caring, individualized veterinary treatment for your pet? At Tiergesundheitszentrum List (TGZ), a dedicated and highly qualified veterinary team is here for you. Your animal’s wellbeing is their priority, which is why they invest in ongoing training and professional development. This ensures their equipment and expertise consistently meet the high standards they set for themselves.
About the
3D HIP System
Compared to the DPO/TPO (Double or triple pelvic osteotomy) techniques, which involve making two or three cuts in the pelvis to allow the socket to be rotated to provide adequate stabilisation for the head of the femur, and then fixing a plate to maintain the new positioning of the bones, the 3D HIP Technique is a much less invasive and traumatic procedure.
Custom-made from DICOM-based CT imaging for an optimal fit.
Can be implanted in both hips in a single surgery session.
Securely anchored to the iliac body for long-term stability.
Early return to normal, pain-free locomotion.
Pre-planned in 3D, and therefore not entirely dependent on the intraoperative experience of orthopedic surgeons, the 3D HIP Technique requires only a short learning curve due to its simplicity and its technologically-driven approach.
Made of Titanium which has the advantage of superior biocompatibility, it promotes faster bone healing and limits uncontrolled bone proliferation.
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2026
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