Hip Resurfacing - An Alternative to Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is a very successful operationpain may be present all the time even at night.
for hip arthritis. The purpose is to remove the twoRheumatoid arthritis
damaged and worn parts of the hip joint- the "ballRA is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in
and socket" and replace them with smooth artificialpain, stiffness and swelling. It is commonly thought to
implants.be an autoimmune disease perhaps triggered by virus
However for younger patients, there is a high chanceor bacteria in those with a genetic predisposition.
that a traditional hip replacement will wear out duringDevelopmental Dysplasia
their lifetime and need to be replaced. A secondOne in 10,000 people are born with this altered hip
replacement is more difficult and tends not to last asanatomy leading to early wear and tear. There is
long. in addition high impact activities are not generallyoften a family history.
recommended after total hip replacement.Avascular necrosis
Hip resurfacing is a procedure which replaces the twoThis occurs when poor blood circulation starve the
surfaces of the hip joint. This conserves bone as thebones that form the hip joint. Over time the starved
femoral head is retained. Instead of removing thebone dies and the hip collapses.
femoral head, it is reshaped to accept an anatomicallyAlcoholism and corticosteroids are by far the leading
shaped metal sphere. This results in lower risk ofcauses of this.
dislocation compared to traditional total hipPost op recovery
replacement and the potential for higher activity level.Most patients walk the day after surgery usually with
Who is a candidate for resurfacing?crutches or walking sticks. You will then commence
Generally people who require a hip replacement underan intensive physiotherapy programme. This is critical
age 55 yrs are candidates unless they have certainto strengthen the muscles around the hip correctly to
types of arthritis which has deformed the femoralprotect the new hip and give it the best chance of
head. Hip resurfacing is rarely considered for peoplelasting as long as possible. Also many patients had
over the age of 65yrs.months of pain and were limping before the
Results of Hip Resurfacingoperation so the hip muscles were often very weak
Long term results are not known as this procedureprior to the operation.
has only been in clinical use for just over 10 years-Your surgeon will tell you how much weight you are
however the results to date have been very goodallowed to take initially. For many patients full weight
with success rate better than conventional total hipbearing is allowed within the first week and normal
replacement over the first 5-10years.walking is usually achieved by 4-6 weeks.
4 common conditions that may indicate the need forDuring the first 6 months post op impact activities
hip resurfacing:should be avoided as the bone initially remodels to
Osteoarthritis"grip" the new implant.
This is a disease which wears away the cartilageIn the weeks after surgery it is important to
between the femoral head and the acetabulum ( thegradually build up your activity under the guidance of
ball and socket) causing the 2 bones to scrapea physiotherapist to strengthen the hip muscles and
against each other. This results in pain, stiffness andensure normal walking gait.
instability. Some patients even develop bone spurs.It is normal to feel more tired than normal after
Symptoms include pain in the hip or groin area duringsurgery so allow yourself enough rest during your
weight bearing resulting in limping. As it worsens therecovery period.