Hip Resurfacing Surgery for Arthritis
A surgical procedure that is unlike the traditional hip replacement which involves removal of the entire ball and socket, involves only in shaping of the bone and inserting a smooth metal covering at the head of the ball. The socket and the damaged cartilage is replaced with metal covering.
Patient selection:
Patients with arthritis may be chosen for hip resurfacing. Patients are chosen based on their age, weight, non-degenerative disease, do not have any kind of infection or allergic to metals used in implants. Patients with severe bone loss are not considered for hip resurfacing. Metal-on metal implants are unfit for child- bearing women because of the tendency of the metal implants to release metal ions.
Advantages of hip resurfacing:
- Unlike the total hip replacement, hip resurfacing is easier to revise. The hip resurfacing removes very little bones and hence is easier to do a revision surgery.
- The hip resurfacing also decreases the risk of hip dislocation. The ball used in hip resurfacing is generally bigger than the one used in traditional surgery and closer to the original size. However, dislocation may be caused depending on the implant used and also the wear and tear.
- Hip resurfacing allows more normal and balanced walking pattern.
- With hip resurfacing, patients are able to enjoy greater hip movements.
Disadvantages of hip resurfacing:
- Fractures are likely to happen. In case of fractures, traditional hip replacement surgery is used to amend.
- Due to the friction, the metal ball creates metal ions or particles near the joint. Sensitivity to metals may cause allergy to metal particles causing swelling and pain.
- Hip resurfacing as a procedure is more complex and difficult to perform than traditional surgery. Larger incisions are made in hip resurfacing.
Complications:
- Blood clots are likely to form in the leg veins. Blood thinners will be advised by surgeons.
- Chances of infection near the implant is higher. Bacterial growth may cause infections.
- Injury to the blood vessels or nerve may occur during the surgery.
- Risks of anesthesia
- Dislocations and fractures.
- However, unlike the traditional hip replacement surgery, hip resurfacing has very minimal chances of risks.
Recovery:
Discharge from hospital will be given within 4 days. Initially crutches, walker or stick should be used to walk. Exercises as advised by physiotherapist should be undertaken. Follow-ups to the orthopaedic should be undertaken at regular intervals.
