What is hip resurfacing?
The hip resurfacing procedure is bone sparing since it does not require the entirety of the femur to be cut off. Unlike traditional hip replacement, hip resurfacing doesn't completely replace the "ball" of the hip with a metal or ceramic ball. Instead the bone is reshaped and capped with a metal prosthesis. A metal cup is placed into the hip socket. The use of this type of hip device results in a metal on metal bearing and is an excellent choice for hip replacement.
The Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Replacement Device (BHR) was the first device to be FDA approved in 2006. Dr. Poole was the first joint replacement surgeon in Idaho to be trained by Smith & Nephew, in Birmingham, England and to offer the BHR to his patients.
Hip resurfacing offers younger, active patients an opportunity to return to a full, active lifestyle without restrictions or pain. The best candidates for hip resurfacing are men under 60 who have strong, healthy bone.
The risk of fracture is higher for older people, especially small-framed women whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis.
Hip resurfacing is a procedure that treats a damaged hip joint. It’s effective when osteoarthritis or another degenerative condition has caused the cartilage that cushions the bones of your hip joint to wear away. The bones then rub together, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function.
A hip resurfacing procedure is major surgery: Dr. Poole trims the head of your femur, or thigh bone, and covers it with a smooth metal covering. He then removes any damaged bone within the hip socket and replaces it with a metal shell.
During a total hip replacement, Dr. Poole removes the entire head of your femur instead of just capping it as he does with resurfacing.
Do I need hip resurfacing?
If you have notable damage to your hip joint due to injury or disease, hip resurfacing may be an option. Medical conditions that can cause joint degradation calling for hip resurfacing include:
- Osteoarthritis (most common)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Injury or fracture of the hip joint
- Osteonecrosis
- Bone tumor in the hip joint
Hip resurfacing is a way to decrease pain and improve joint mobility. It’s a procedure that is offered only after more conservative therapies, such as medication or assistive walking devices, have failed to relieve pain and improve function.
Hip resurfacing is often a good alternative for patients younger than 60 with larger frames and healthy bones.
What are the benefits of hip resurfacing over hip replacement?
Hip resurfacing isn’t right for every patient. Dr. Poole can help you understand potential advantages such as:
- Preservation of the femoral bone so later revision surgery is easier
- A more resilient repaired hip that can withstand activity such as skiing or running
- Reduced risk of dislocation
- Longer lasting for younger patients
Dr. Poole reviews your condition, your activity goals, and your health history to determine if hip resurfacing is the best way to address your hip dysfunction. He takes a patient-centered approach and makes his recommendations based on what he believes is appropriate for your circumstances.
If you have severe hip dysfunction, contact Poole Joint Replacement. Call to learn if hip resurfacing is a good option for you.
