Birmingham Hip Resurfacing

Hip Resurfacing Surgery is a milestone in Hip Arthritis Management. Hip Resurfacing procedure is less painful and saves more bone than Total Hip Replacement. This procedure does not remove the femoral head and neck nor does it remove bone from femur. Hip Resurfacing Surgery results in enhanced stability, flexibility and movement. The advanced Hip Resurfacing surgery lasts much longer than Hip Replacement. Hip Resurfacing procedure has decreased risk of hip dislocation, more normal walking pattern and greater hip movement. It gives better results than THR enabling people to sit on the floor and take part in all types of sports and games and enjoy a normal life. Also, Hip Resurfacing surgery may be easier to revise. Hip resurfacing surgery has a number of advantages compared with total hip replacement. Some of them are:

Reduced risk of dislocation
Improved range of movement
Increased mobility
Lesser chances of limb length discrepancy

Procedure Time

Patients are admitted in hospitals for the procedures. For more details and free consultation, you can fill in the inquiry form on our website. All your medical queries will be answered.

Pre-Procedure Requirement
  • Before your Hip Resurfacing surgery, an anesthesiologist will evaluate your medical history and discuss anesthesia choices with you.
  • The surgeon will make markings on your hip to confirm the surgical site. You will be given instructions about how to prepare for your surgery.
  • If you smoke, you will be asked to stop a month before the surgery. In case of general anesthesia, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions.
  • You won't be allowed to drink or eat for six hours beforehand.
  • This is your opportunity to ask your surgeon questions about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure.
  • Patients should continue to walk and exercise before the surgery to condition the muscles around the hip.
Procedure

Normally, a Hip Resurfacing Surgery takes between ninety minutes to three hours. An incision will be made on the outer aspect of your thigh to reach the hip joint. Then the femoral head is dislocated from the socket. After that, the head is trimmed and a metal cap is covered over the prepared femoral head. The outlining cartilage on the hip joint socket is removed. A metal cup is pressed into the socket and held in place. After the cup is placed, the femoral head is repositioned back into the socket and the incision is closed.

Post Procedure Advice

In majority of the cases, patients go home one to four days after the Hip Resurfacing surgery. The stitches or clips will be removed after 10-14 days. The patients may need support like a walker, cane or crutches for the first few days or weeks until you are able to walk without assistance. You will need physical therapy exercises to bring back your strength. It is necessary to see your orthopedic surgeon for follow-up visits. Regular activities can be most likely resumed within six weeks after the Hip Resurfacing procedure.

FAQ's
  • What can I do to make my recovery time easier?
  • Try to be as healthy as possible prior to the Hip Resurfacing surgery. The surgeon will explain how to prepare for the procedure. You can work out and strengthen your upper body. Prepare your home for when you return from the hospital.

  • What are some of the patient symptoms indicating a potential need for Hip Resurfacing surgery?
  • Total Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing surgery are surgeries to lessen hip pain and inflexibility that develop because of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or injuries that cause the joint to become worn, resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness when the bones rub together.

  • Can I put my full weight on the leg after a Hip Resurfacing surgery?
  • The amount of weight bearing is restricted on the leg for four to six week to decrease risk of the stem collapsing into the femur. You will start with partial weight bearing and gradually move on to full weight bearing

  • What are its disadvantages?
  • Disadvantages of Hip Resurfacing surgery are:Femoral neck fracture, Metal ion risk, Blood clots in the leg veins, Infection Injury to nerves or vessels, Difference in limb length, Joint dislocation.

  • Does Hip Resurfacing surgery wear out?
  • Metal on metal hip replacements such as resurfacing total hip replacements can wear out.

  • What kind of activity level can I resume after the Hip Resurfacing surgery?
  • There are no general restrictions imposed on patients with hip resurfacing as far as activity is concerned. But, just like standard Total Hip Replacement, excessive activity can damage the hip by causing excessive wear and tear

  • Do I have to follow any other precautions after the Hip Resurfacing surgery?
  • Yes, you will be kept on crutches or a walker for a couple of weeks after the surgery unless advised otherwise.

  • Do Hip Resurfacing replacements dislocate?
  • Hip can dislocate during activities in which the precautions are not followed properly or because of soft- tissue laxity.

  • How is the Hip Resurfacing procedure different from traditional Total Hip Replacement?
  • In case of traditional Total Hip Replacement, the ball of the hip joint is taken out and substituted with a smaller metal ball. But, the Hip Resurfacing procedure saves more bone because only the surface of the joint's ball is eliminated to put a new metal surface.

  • Who are the primary patients for Hip Resurfacing surgery?
  • Good candidates for Hip Resurfacing are:

    People under the age 65 with hip arthritis

    Very active people over age 65

  • What is your advice while flying back after Hip Resurfacing surgery?
  • It is recommended to drink a lot of water and walk a little every 20 minutes to avoid the chance of getting blood clot in the legs.

  • When can I assume normal activities?
  • You will be walking normally in a week's time. But, you won't be allowed to resume sports and heavy work for at least two months.

  • When should I call my doctor?
  • Call your doctor if you have the following symptoms:

    Fever over 101º F after the surgery

    Rising pain or swelling

    Redness or tenderness

    Numbness