Why is Hip Resurfacing better than THR
Why is Hip Resurfacing better then a Total
Hip Replacement?
Dr. De Smet “Theoretic advantages are less bone destruction, less bone resection, normal femoral loading, avoidance of stress shielding, maximum proprioceptive feedback, and restoration of normal anatomy. In addition, reduced risk of dislocation, less leg inequality problems, and easier revision should convince surgeons to favor metal-on-metal resurfacing.” Mr. McMinn “A resurfacing is suitable for the treatment of a hip with severe arthritis when the femoral head bone quality is good. It is used more often in young and active patients than older and less active patients because conventional replacements do not last long in young and active patients. Further, a younger patient is more likely to need a revision of an artificial hip at some stage later in life, and it is easier to successfully revise a BHR. The fundamental difference between a BHR and a conventional total hip replacement (THR) is in the femoral (thigh) side. A THR has a long stem inserted into the canal in the thigh bone. Hence the natural femoral head and part of the neck are removed and weight is transmitted through the stem directly into the upper third of the thigh bone. In a resurfacing, the aim is to preserve most of the femoral head and neck. The resurfacing femoral component therefore has a thin (3 to 4 mm) hollow ball surface that directly transmits weight to the femoral head bone underneath it and a very small stem that is not designed to transmit weight. The socket component can be similar in both the THR and a BHR.” Dr. BalasubramanianDr. Bose Dr. Bernabe The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing is the answer to younger patients with severe hip pain due to arthritis. These patients are too young for a total hip replacement because of the severe limitations after the surgery. Unlike traditional hip replacement surgery, resurfacing does not remove as much of your leg bone. Instead, the process simply machines away the rough damaged surface of the hip joint bones and replaces them with more durable high carbide cobalt chrome. For younger patients concerned with the potential of multiple revision surgeries over their lifetimes, saving natural bone is especially important. But hip bone conservation is good for older patients as well if their bones are strong enough to accept the implant. The BIRMINGHAM HIP RESURFACING System has been shown to actually enhance bone strength around your hip. (Kishida, Sugano 2004 JBJS) The more you walk on your resurfaced hip, the stronger it gets. The BHR is not “experimental surgery”. Although its use in the US has been approved by the FDA only last year, there have been over 60,000 BHR hips implanted worldwide since 1996. At 10 years follow up, 98% of implants have survived. A 1,626-hip study found that 99.5% of patients responded they were “Pleased” or “Extremely pleased” with the results of their Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgery. |