Hip Resurfacing Surgery

Hip Resurfacing vs Hip Surface Replacement

Hip resurfacing involves replacing damaged surfaces in the hip joint with metal surfaces. This procedure can be ideal for patients under 65 with advanced hip disease.

Hip resurfacing surgery is an alternative to standard hip replacements for patients with severe arthritis, which preserves most of the native anatomy and only removing diseased bone. The benefits of the resurfacing technique and implants are significant.

The implants head size, clinically proven bearing surfaces and bone preservation technique makes is a preferred choice for young active patients.

Mr Hugh Blackley was the first to pioneer modern hip resurfacing in New Zealand in 2003. He was trained by the designers and remains a strong advocate for the technique. He has done the most hip resurfacings of any surgeon in New Zealand and his experience in the technique has evolved and is unparalleled in New Zealand. He is on the Australasian Surgical Advisory Panel for Birmingham Hip Resurfacing.

Hip Replacement

Conventional Total Hip Replacement is a very successful procedure for the treatment of Hip Arthritis. The purpose of the total hip replacement is to remove the two damaged and worn parts of the hip joint – the hip socket ( acetabulum and the ball (femoral head) – and replace them with smooth, artificial implants called prostheses which will help make the hip strong, stable and flexible again.

For younger, more active people needing a hip replacement, there is a high chance that traditional hip replacement will wear out during their lifetime and need to be replaced again – a second replacement (revision) is more difficult and consequently may last a shorter time than the original replacement.

Hip Resurfacing

Hip Resurfacing Surgery is a high-performance alternative to a Hip Replacement which replaces the two articulating surfaces of the hip joint. The procedure is designed to conserve the natural femoral neck and most of the femoral head.

It is shaped with specialised instrumentation to accept an anatomically sized metal sphere. The acetabulum (socket) is also prepared to remove diseased bone and allow a metal component to be implanted. The Birmingham Hip resurfacing Implants are made of Cobalt Chrome which is finely machined to produce a very high-quality surface with a low friction finish, hence low wear.

The BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing has the largest independently verified clinical history of any resurfacing device available today. Surgeons who offer this procedure to patients have undergone specialised training.

What are the advantages of a hip resurfacing?

• Head size: The head size closely matches your normal anatomy because the diseased bone that are removed is being replaced/resurfaced with a metal surface. The resurfacing head is larger than other hip replacement femoral heads. This ensures better stability and a greater Range of motion with less risk of dislocation.
• Reduction in the Bone removed: Hip resurfacing literally means “retreading the bone with a metal prosthesis. Therefore, there is a significant decrease in the amount of bone removed.
• Decrease in Complication Rates: Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery greatly reduces the disruption of the joint, therefore providing a shorter recovery period and a decrease in some complications.
• Shorter Recovery Time: Most patients are walking 4 hours after hip resurfacing surgery. Total time spent in hospital is approximately 2 days. Within 2 weeks, most patients are back driving, resuming most of their normal activities.
• More stable hip: The hip resurfacing has a dislocation rate of less than 1 in 500 because the ball is not removed and remains the same size as the patient’s original hip. The range of movement is greater because the hip is more stable and feels more normal.
• Ease of Revision: Because hip resurfacing does not damage the thigh bone, when they fail they can be more easily converted to a total hip replacement. This is important in young patients who wear out total hip replacements, because it saves this procedure as a later option when they are older.

Hip Resurfacing Candidates for Surgery

This operation is primarily intended for young active patients who need a hip placement. This procedure may be considered for older patients as well but should be discussed with the sugeon.

Certain considerations like bone quality, underlying disease and sex can alter the outcomes and success of the operation and should be discussed with your surgeon.

There has been some concern that the metal ions released in a resurfacing are not suitable for young women of child bearing and in patients with distorted anatomy or osteoporotic bone.

Results and Risks of Resurfacing

The results to date indicate that the success rate of hip resurfacing after the first 5 – 10 years is better than those of conventional total hip replacements. Although, the operation for hip resurfacing is similar to conventional total hip replacement, it is a more demanding surgical technique.

Some concerns have been raised about the release of metal ions in the body, however, to date there are no statistical correlation with long term systemic problems. It is worth noting that in patients with historical metal on metal devices,some of which have been implanted for very long periods, no adverse reactions have been highlighted. The usual risks with any hip replacement therefore apply – there is a very low risk of major complications due to infection or early loosening – thus leading to the need for further surgery.

There is a lower risk of leg lengths being different. There is also a very low risk of major medical complications, such as thrombosis, heart attack or stroke. This is the same for any surgery requiring an anaesthetic.

For Further Information about Hip Resurfacing talk to your doctor or you can visit: Any information on this site should be discussed with your surgeon.