Hip Resurfacing is a Better Option than a THR by Dr. Balasubramanian
Date:07/01/2007
HEALTHWATCH
Revolutionary surgery Hip resurfacing: Fewer risks, more benefits. ARTHRITIS of the hip joint is a common problem in India. It occurs due to
damage to the joint from various conditions such as Osteoarthritis (wear and
tear arthritis), avascular necrosis (death of the bone due to lack of blood
supply), trauma or injury (previous hip fractures), infection, rheumatoid
arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other diseases. It causes severe pain,
stiffness, deformity, decreased mobility and severe disability. In India, hip
joint arthritis affects even young people leading to disruption of family and
social life, inability to work and difficulty in movement.
Traditionally, Total Hip Replacement (THR) has been the only treatment for
people suffering with hip arthritis for the past 40 years. The surgery is
conducted when the symptoms or the arthritis cannot be controlled with
medication.
THR is a good procedure in elderly or sedentary people, but it cannot restore
the mobility desired by younger and middle aged patients. Also, it can sometimes
dislocate or slip out of joint, loosen faster in younger people (and vital bone
is lost as the prosthesis loosens) and patients often face restrictions in terms
of their lifestyle and mobility. However, all this is possible now, courtesy the
revolutionary surgery for hip arthritis known as Hip Resurfacing.
Better option
Over the last decade, the need for a better option to THR was felt more than
ever before due to increase in hip arthritis incidents among young people.
Subsequent medical and technological advancements led to the development of Hip
Resurfacing surgery. Dr. Derek Mc Minn of Birmingham, the U.K., pioneered this
procedure.
In this procedure only the diseased portion of the hip socket is cleaned and
shaved instead of being removed completely. Further, two metal pieces (made of
cobalt chrome) are fixed — one over the ball of the femur, and the other into
the pelvic socket called acetabulum. In short, the articular surfaces of the
femur and acetabulum (socket) are replaced and the femoral head is reshaped
instead of removed.
At first, an incision is made to reveal the layer of muscles. This is lifted,
detached from the bone and held in place to enable easy access to the femur and
pelvic region. With the knee flexed at 90 degrees, the femoral head is
dislocated. Once easily visible, the measurements of the femoral head and neck
are taken before the actual surgery begins. The femoral head is reshaped with
specialised instruments that remove only the damaged bone. The prosthetic head
rests on the femoral ball. To ensure that all stays in place, the prosthetic is
glued to the bone.
Preserves bone
The surgery then moves onto the acetabular (hip socket) base. Here a
hemispherical cavity removing only damaged socket bone is formed so that it
allows the prosthesis to rotate freely and yet maintains a snug and stable fit.
The metal cup or acetabular component is then lowered into the hollow to obtain
a press-fit. The surgery is completed with the fitting together of the femoral
head and the acetabular component. Unlike THR, this surgery preserves the body’s
vital bone, which is essential for faster recovery. Patients can start walking
within two days and can be discharged in five to six days after this one and a
half-hour surgery. The marginal increase in cost is more than offset by the
multiple benefits experienced by the patient.
Patients who undergo Hip Resurfacing recover faster than usual. They start
walking the day after surgery without support and can go home within five days.
Patients are able to walk as much as five miles a day, as early as six weeks
after the operation. Unlike in THR, they can jog, swim, dance, run and even play
high-impact sports, squat, sit cross-legged and even use the Indian toilet with
minimum risk of dislocation. This is a procedure that is suited to Indian
conditions.
Minimally invasive
Hip Resurfacing is a bone conserving and minimally invasive surgery. The natural
feeling of the joint (Proprioception) is preserved. Since the femoral prosthesis
size is anatomical, dislocation of the joint is rare. Unlike in THR,
polyethelene is not used as a bearing material. So problems like loosening of
prosthesis and early failure related to polyethelene particles are eliminated.
Since early loosening is not seen in Hip resurfacing, it is expected to last
much longer than THR. If another surgery is required it is much easier to
perform because the bone mass has been preserved.
Advantages
The ball used during surgery is similar to the natural one, which confers
biomechanical advantages to the hip.
Hardly any chance of dislocation.
Improved durability, since the prosthesis does not wear out easily.
Allows improved functions and quick recovery.
Patient can sit, squat and even can participate in sports.
Allows normal range of hip movements.
Does not change length of the leg.
Duplicates or restores normal structure of hip joint.
The writer is a Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Sri
Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore.
Surgeon : Dr. G.
Balasubramanian
MS DNB FRCS(Ed) FRCS(Orth),
UK
Sri Ramakrishna Hospital
395, Sarojini Naidu road,
Coimbatore,
India
Hip Resurfacing Center.com
E-Mail Contact
ggbala@hotmail.com
ggbalas@gmail.com
kaushikswathi@yahoo.co.in
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