What is PennHIP?

PennHIP stands for the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program.

PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic technology (x-ray) for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of canine hip dysplasia (CHD).  It can diagnose Hip Dysplasia in puppies as young as 4 months old. The procedure allows our doctors to quantify the degree of laxity and compare to other dogs of the same breed.

PennHIP is more than just a radiographic technique. It is also a network of veterinarians trained to perform the PennHIP methodology properly and, perhaps most importantly, it is a large scientific database that houses the PennHIP data. The radiographs are made by certified PennHIP members worldwide and are sent to the PennHIP analysis center for evaluation. The resulting data is stored in the database, which is continually monitored as it expands. As more information becomes available, the PennHIP laboratory is able to obtain more precise answers to questions about the etiology (cause), prediction and genetic basis of CHD.

The PennHIP laboratory publishes its findings in scientific journals. Published information is disseminated to all PennHIP members; it is also shared with interested breed clubs and routinely appears in publications within the dog fancy.

The PennHIP method is a different way to assess, measure and interpret hip joint laxity. It consists of three separate radiographs: the distraction view, the compression view and the hip-extended view (see below). The distraction view and compression view, developed by Dr. Smith, are used to obtain accurate and precise measurements of joint laxity and congruity. The hip-extended view is used to obtain supplementary information regarding the existence of DJD in the hip joint.

Distraction View	Compression View	Hip-extended View
The radiographs above and to the right are of the same dog, yet the hip joint laxities (looseness) in each view look very different. Notice that the hips in the distraction view (top left) appear to be much looser than they do in the hip-extended view (right). On average the distraction view has been shown to reveal 2.5 - 11 times more hip laxity (depending on breed) than the hip-extended view. Also the PennHIP method can measure the laxity of a hip joint with greater precision than the hip-extended method. The degree of hip joint laxity, as measured by the PennHIP method, has been shown to be the most important risk factor in determining whether a dog is prone to developing CHD.