Dependent upon age and bone condition, hip resurfacing is a viable early alternative to hip replacement surgery. Introduced in 1997 with several iterations in the last decade, resurfacing offers a reduced chance of dislocation and a more natural range of motion.
Uses
Resurfacing is considered when the patient exhibits good bone quality, is younger, and leads an active lifestyle. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may especially benefit from the procedure.
Procedure Specifics
A metal covering is used to cap the end of the femur, or thigh bone. The material used is cobalt chromium, an extremely strong metal. Once seated, the appliance sits within a metal cup in the hip socket.
Appliance Operation
The femur end cap and hip joint cup fit together to replicate the joint. The highly polished metal surfaces move smoothly against each other, imitating the motion and providing the stability of the natural joint.
Benefits
With the resurfacing technique, surgeons are able to retain femur dimensions close to the original bone, allowing a better fit within the metal socket. This better fit results in increased stability, vital to active movement.
Summary
Hip resurfacing is a good option for those who wish to delay hip replacement surgery. Based on patient follow-up, the chance of good or excellence results from hip resurfacing is 95 percent.
Tags: metal socket, replacement surgery, within metal, within metal socket