Definition:
Hip resurfacing is a surgical procedure performed to treat arthric joint hip joint. This form of treatment is considered better than total hip replacement. It is because the surgeon removes as less thigh bone as required. While in total hip replacement, the thigh bone is completely removed. The technology of Birmingham hip resurfacing or hip resurfacing is developed for active category of people. By active category, it means a set of people involved in any kind of rigorous work. The implant used in Birmingham hip resurfacing is a complete metal-on-metal device. The ball and socket are both made up of smooth cobalt chrome metal. This lessens the risk of joint wear that may cause further difficulties.
As the surgical procedure begins, surgeon will give general or epidural anesthesia. After that, he will make an incision in the side of the thigh. This will allow him to monitor femoral head and acetabulum. The surgeon separates the femoral head from socket. Following to this, he shapes the bone of femoral head to fit metal surface on top of the bone. The cap is placed on it with a small peg in the bone. On carrying out this part of the surgery, surgeon removes cartilage from acetabulum to place the acetabular component. Then, ball is fixed into the socket placed in acetabulum. The best part of this surgery is that your femoral bone is conserved for further hip replacement, if required.
Purpose:
The device implanted during the surgery has a ball that is almost equal size of natural femoral bone. This helps in longer stability of the artificial joint placed. Hip resurfacing is a modern technique meant to treat numerous diseases associated with our hip joints.
- Osteoarthritis: It is defined by wearing of the cartilage between femoral head and acetabulum. This will cause the scrapping of two bones against each other, which results in extreme pain, stiffness and development of bone spurs. It is also known as wear and tear arthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an unremitting incendiary disease resulting in joint pain, swelling and stiffness. This also leads to weakening of multiple joints, causing pain and loss of function.
- Developmental Dysplasia: It is a form of disease that develops due to improper formation of hip joints. In this case, the socket is shallow and head of the femur is not well-formed. This problem arises in children born with misaligned hip joint and can be a hereditary disease.
- Avascular Necrosis: The disease is caused due to poor blood circulation to the bones forming hip joint. Due to this, the bones die and hip joint collapses.
On curing these diseases, hip resurfacing will allow you to go back to your normal schedule. In fact, you will also not be required to cut down on high-impact sports or heavy activities.
Precautions:
After the surgery is successfully carried out, you are required to wear elastic stockings. The patient might also be given blood thinning medicines to avoid blood clots. Another precaution to take is doing ankle exercise to maintain blood flow. You should also avoid lifting heavy things and do not lift the knee higher than the operated hip.
Pre and Post Care:
Before starting the operation, you will be needed to undergo X-rays and complete physical examination. The surgeon will not allow you to eat at least 8 to 10 hours before the surgery. Even anti-inflammatory medication will be given to you seven days before the surgery. You might also be asked to donate some blood, in case of blood transfusion required.
After the surgery is done, you will have to keep a cushion between your legs to avoid criss-cross. You will be given physical therapy treatment for initializing movement. Your surgeon will advise you to continue with regular check-ups for monitoring the growth. This care is essential for best results from the surgery.
Risk Factors:
Though hip resurfacing is considered better than hip replacement, it also has slight risk factors.
- Femoral neck fracture, resulting in the removal of neck
- Increase of metal ions in blood and urine of the patient
- Low risk of artificial joint loosening
Hospital Stay:
The patient will be required to stay in the hospital for at least 1 week, depending on the strength of patient’s recovery.
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