Hip Resurfacing

What is a Hip Resurfacing procedure?

A Hip Resurfacing Procedure (also known as a Partial Hip Replacement) replaces just the specific worn out parts of the natural surface of the hip joint rather than the whole joint. The modified resurfacing prosthesis used in this procedure is typically made of metal. The prosthesis covers or caps just the damaged or diseased part of the hip joint surface and act as a buffer to prevent further deterioration. 

Why is a Hip Resurfacing procedure performed?

A Hip Resurfacing procedure is often performed on individuals who are particularly active or under the age of 60 but who have experienced chronic and debilitating hip pain that will not respond to non - surgical treatments. 'Wear and tear' between the surfaces of the thighbone (Femur) and pelvis (Acetabulum) caused by Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis are the two most common reasons for performing a Hip Resurfacing procedure.

The main advantage to having this procedure over a Total Hip Replacement is that more of the thighbone and natural joint will be conserved as the procedure involves only resurfacing the thighbone head 'the ball' rather than removing it. This is particularly useful in younger and more active patients where the chance of repeat hip replacement surgery is more likely. Another advantage of this type of hip replacement over a Total Hip Replacement for the more active patient is that the length of the effected leg will not become shorter after surgery, as more of the normal thighbone length is preserved.

How is a Hip Resurfacing procedure carried out?

A Hip Resurfacing procedure can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Spinal/Epidural Anaesthetic (you will be awake, but sedated). The procedure usually takes around one hour to complete and is performed with a patient positioned on their unaffected side on the operating table. A longitudinal incision is made over the effected hip in order for the surgeon to gently part the thigh muscle and use various instruments to resurface just the parts of the joint surface that have become damaged and then attach a cap like prosthesis over the ball of the thigh bone with glue. The socket part of the pelvis is then reshaped and lined with a new metal surface to allow for smooth mobility of the new joint. 

Following the insertion of the new prosthesis the incision wound is usually closed with absorbable stitches and a drain inserted. The wound is then covered with an absorbent dressing 

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to take a few steps with the support and guidance from a physiotherapist on the day or the day after surgery.

Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control patients are normally discharged home around 3-4 days following surgery. By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing a simple wound dressing, eating and drinking normally, walking with just the aid of a stick and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers).

Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility and range of hip movement through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and walking distances.

Your Consultant Surgeon will then assess your hip joints range of movement after 6 weeks and then again after three months to evaluate how successful your Partial Hip Replacement operation has been. Patients who are in employment should not resume work until after their first consultation and dependant on the physical nature of their job may be advised to take longer off work. Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take up to six months to achieve.

Are there any risks associated with Hip Resurfacing surgery?

Although Hip Resurfacing surgery is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist hip surgery.

All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation with an expert in hip surgery to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for a Hip Resurfacing surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Hip Resurfacing surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex hip surgery and because of their specialist Hip Resurfacing surgical expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert Hip Resurfacing surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com