Hip resurfacing

Overview

Hip replacement surgery includes hip resurfacing. In hip resurfacing procedure, implants are employed in order to relieve hip stiffness and pain brought on by osteoarthritis and other disorders. Implants replace injured tissue and bones, enhancing more fluid mobility. The treatment is carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon (a specialist in bones and joints). Most candidates for hip resurfacing are men under 60. 

The ball and socket joint in your hip is a component of your skeletal system. It consists of the acetabulum which is the hip socket and the femoral head which is the ball–shaped upper thighbone head.

Hip resurfacing entails removing worn cartilage and bone from the ball and socket. The trimmed thighbone is covered with a smooth metal covering by your surgeon. The hip socket is lined with a metal shell. These two metallic parts function in unison, enabling smooth and pain–free movement.

Reasons for undergoing hip resurfacing

Osteoarthritis in the hip can be relieved through hip resurfacing. Hip pain is frequently felt in the groin, but it can also occur in the buttock or hip’s side. If nonsurgical measures are ineffective for your hip discomfort, your doctor may advise the operation.

Not everyone is a candidate for hip resurfacing. The surgery shouldn’t be performed on those over 65. In senior patients, hip replacement is well functioning. Osteoporosis, which is more prevalent in this age group, can make both hip resurfacing and hip replacement procedures more challenging.

Typical candidates for hip resurfacing include:

• Those who are in their early 50’s may be a candidate.
• Men are far more likely to undergo the procedure.
• Men who are young and active, and those with a strong and healthy bones.

Hip resurfacing procedure

Hip resurfacing procedures are often performed under spinal anesthetic. As you sleep, you are doing your own breathing. The process lasts less than two hours.

Before the procedure

Your orthopedic surgeon will examine you before the procedure. The doctor could:

• Enquire about your health history and prescriptions you are taking currently. 
• Check your hip for mobility by testing the strength of the muscles around the joint and the hip’s range of motion. 
• Request an X–ray and blood testing. Rarely is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) necessary.

Ask any questions you have regarding the procedure at this visit. Find out which drugs you need to stop taking or keep taking the week before surgery. 

It’s important to cease using tobacco products because it can prevent healing. Consult your doctor if you need assistance quitting.

During the procedure

When performing hip resurfacing, your doctor:

To access the hip joint, a thigh incision is made. Then, the surgeon trims damaged bone and cartilage from the ball–shaped head of the thighbone. Attaches a shiny metal cap to the ball using surgical cement. The diseased bone and cartilage are removed from the hip socket. A metal shell is then inserted into the socket of the hip. The socket’s rear, which is roughened, connects to the pelvic bone. Further, the surgeon inserts the ball–shaped femoral head into the hip socket. And lastly, stitches are used to close the incision.

After the procedure

You’ll stay in the hospital for one or two days. You can begin putting weight on the leg soon after surgery if your surgeon provides the all–clear. To get around comfortably for a few weeks, you might need to use crutches, a walker, or a cane.

Pain can be reduced by nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). You can regain movement with the aid of physical therapy. After six weeks, you ought to be able to pick up your regular activities again. You can resume full–time, unrestricted activities after a year, including sports.

Risk

There is a chance of blood clots, infection, and nerve damage with every surgery. The following issues with hip resurfacing also exist:

• Fractures: Infrequently, the femoral neck—the area of the thighbone that supports the ball—begins to fracture.
• Metal reaction: On rare occasions, you might react to the metal in the implants. Metal debris is released with the movement of the metal cap inside the metal socket, which can irritate nearby bone and tissue. Metal ions may enter the bloodstream, where specialized tests may be used to determine whether there is an excessive amount of debris. To avoid this issue, scientists are developing alternatives to metal implants.

You will require additional hip surgery if either of these issues arises.

Outcome

When it comes to reducing hip pain and enhancing mobility, hip resurfacing is just as effective as hip replacement.

Hip resurfacing is superior to hip replacement in the following ways:

• Improved mobility: After healing, most patients who have hip resurfacing can run, jump, and engage in all activities. People using prosthetics should adhere to low–impact activities like walking, swimming, and golfing. High–impact exercises can damage artificial joints by causing them to become loose.
• More equal leg lengths: A treated limb that has had hip replacement surgery may be slightly shorter or longer. Because your surgeon removes less bone during hip resurfacing, there is a lower likelihood of this issue.
• Reduced risk of hip dislocation: A resurfaced femoral head (ball) securely matches a resurfaced hip socket, maintaining its natural size. Artificial joints fit more loosely, and the smaller ball may dislocate (pop out of position).
• Simpler follow–up (revision) procedures: Some patients require additional “revision” surgery to replace the implants because they may eventually become loosened, worn out, or contaminated. More bone is left over after hip resurfacing, which facilitates replacing worn-out parts with new ones. Because there is less bone to deal with, revision of a total hip replacement is more difficult. One of the most significant advantages for young, active patients who require hip surgery is this.