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In hip resurfacing surgery, the head of the femur is trimmed to a rounded shape, followed by covering it with a metal cap. The cup joint of the hip is then fitted with a corresponding metal cup. The procedure is bone conserving because most of the joint is retained.
The hip is a joint with a ball and socket. The top of the thigh bone (femoral head) is a smooth, rounded surface that fits into the hip socket (acetabulum). The bones are covered with smooth cartilage that lets them glide against each other when you move. It’s common for this joint to experience wear and tear as you get older, especially if you develop arthritis as you age. Osteoarthritis is a kind of arthritis that happens at the ends of the bones. It breaks down cartilage, causing swelling, pain, and deformity.
In a traditional total hip replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from your hip and replaces them with man-made parts. These bones are then replaced with a new head and socket. The head is usually metal and the socket hard plastic.
Patients Who Should Go For Hip Resurfacing Surgery
Any kind of hip surgery should be the last possible option after trying for non-surgical methods.
- Patients who are facing negative effect on their quality of life because of hip problems should consider going for surgery.
- Patients having larger frames (mostly male)
- Are younger than 60 years
- Have good, strong and healthy bone structure
Benefits of Hip Resurfacing Surgery
- The natural shape of the joint is restored with better stability.
- This surgery ensures longevity and higher levels of patient activity as compared to traditional hip replacement surgery.
- Minimum bone is removed
- Faster recovery than total hip replacement because less bone is removed.
- It is much easier to remove implants in hip resurfacing since less bone is removed. The implant usually lasts between 10-20years of the procedure.
- Patients start walking within a couple of days and have normal walking patter when compared to total hip replacement.
- Chances to dislocate their hip is quite less as the size of the ball is large.
Risks of Hip Resurfacing Surgery
- Chances of breaking of thigh bone just below its head. If it so happens, then patient should go for second surgery that is traditional hip replacement surgery
- The implants used in hip resurfacing surgery are made of metals. Due to wear and tear over time the metal ball rubs against the metal socket and therefore release metal ions in the blood. High level of metal ions is dangerous in the body.
- Hip resurfacing is considered to be a difficult surgery when compared to hip replacement.
- Infection
- Blood clots: The most common complication of hip resurfacing surgery is the formation of blood clots. They can form in the deep veins of the pelvis of the legs.
- Femoral neck fracture
- Possible risks from anesthesia
- Nerves or blood vessels could possibly be injured during the procedure
How Hip Resurfacing Surgery is Performed?
- A incision (cut) is made by the surgeon in your thigh at the hip joint. Then the femoral head is taken out of the socket, and with the help of surgical equipment it is trimmed. A metal cap is pasted on top of the femoral bone.
- The cartilage that lines the socket is removed and metal cup is pushed in the spot. It will be held in place by friction between the bone and metal. The femoral head is relocated back into the socket, and the surgeon closes and stitches up the incision.
- After your operation, you will be taken to a recovery room and watched by nurses as you come out of anesthesia. Most people leave the hospital after 1 to 4 days.
Recovery After Hip Resurfacing Surgery
- It usually takes some time to heal and regain strength in your leg muscle. However, many people can get back to their regular activity level about 6 weeks after surgery.
- Most patients can go home after 1-4 days post-surgery. The doctor might instruct you to start walking and putting the weight on the leg in the right way, bit you might need a walker, crutches or a cane at first.
- The patients can do their physical activities such as swimming, cycling and walking within six weeks of their operation. Full recovery however will take longer time.