Hip Resurfacing
What is hip resurfacing?
An alternative to total hip replacement is an operation called hip resurfacing. Unlike the prostheses used in total hip replacement, which are made to replace the femoral head, resurfacing prosthesis designs allow the head to be preserved and reshaped. The resurfaced bone is then capped with a metal prosthesis.
Hip resurfacing provides an interim solution for younger or middle-aged patients. If the patient does eventually need a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing can preserve enough healthy bone to make the replacement more successful.
How does hip resurfacing work?
The prosthesis is a highly-polished metal bearing couple: a cup socket and a cap.
The head of the femur is shaved to a rounded shape and then covered with the cap. The cap has a small stem that is inserted into the top of the thighbone. The cup replaces the damaged surface of the hip socket.
Who is a good candidate?
Patients whose hip joints have been damaged by degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis dysplasia, or avascular necrosis. The best candidate is someone who is under the age of 55 who desires to maintain a high activity level or is not suitable for total hip joint replacement.
Who should not have hip resurfacing?
This treatment should not used on a patient who:
- Has any kind of infection of the body or blood
- Is over the age of 55
- Has bones that are not yet fully grown, strong or healthy
- Has any blood vessel, muscle or nerve-related disease that will interfere with the prosthesis' stability
- Is pregnant or intends to become pregnant
- Has kidney disease
- Is sensitive to metals
- Has a suppressed immune system due to diseases such as AIDS, or is receiving high doses of corticosteroids.
- Is severely obese
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).