Information about Hip resurfacing versus hip replacement procedure

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Hip resurfacing or surface replacement arthroplasty is a bone-

conserving alternative to conventional total hip replacement (THR).

Unlike THR, hip resurfacing does not involve the removal of the

femoral head and neck; hence the head, neck and femur bone is

preserved in an effort to facilitate future surgery to enable the

patient to take advantage of newer technology or treatments in the

future. The current generation of hip resurfacing devices utilizes a

metal-metal bearing. Metal-metal bearings have demonstrated a much

higher level of wear resistance as well as reduced bone loss and

inflammatory tissue reaction about the hip joint as compared to metal-

polyethylene bearings. Hip resurfacing is anatomically and

biomechanical more similar to the natural hip joint resulting in

increased stability, flexibility and range of motion. Further, the

dislocation risk is virtually eliminated. Higher activity levels are

typically achieved with less risk. These benefits are realized

because the head diameter that results from resurfacing is very

similar to the patient's normal head diameter and these larger head

sizes are typically much larger than the femoral balls utilized in

conventional THR. This surgery is less invasive and rehabilitation

after the operation is quicker. Patients are encouraged to be active

after surgery as this improves the bone stock

Birmingham Hip Resurfacing technology, is a much advanced

technical procedure than conventional total hip replacement. As a

novel procedure, it demands an experienced surgeon who can thoroughly

understand the responsibility of performing hip Arthroplasty on young

active patients.