Hayes GM, Ramirez J, Langley Hobbs SJ. Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. gh327@cam.ac.uk Vet Surg 2011 Jan 40 1 1-5 OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively assess a surgical "learning curve" using the cumulative summation (CUSUM) score technique. Study DESIGN: Application of a CUSUM technique to a consecutive series of surgical cases. ANIMALS: Consecutive primary cemented total hip replacement (THR; n=116) in 106 dogs. METHODS: Records of all dogs that had primary canine THR were reviewed. Data retrieved included date of surgery, postoperative complications, and duration of follow-up. The 12-week outcome was analyzed graphically and with a CUSUM technique. RESULTS: One hundred and one (87%) procedures were "successful" and 15 (13%) developed major complications within 12 weeks (failures). The CUSUM chart clearly demonstrated an initial "learning curve" of ∼44 THR. CONCLUSION: The CUSUM technique can be used to demonstrate the learning curve for canine THR surgery.

• Business of Orthopedics
• Hip