Hip Resurfacing Surgery
Hip Resurfacing Surgery
Like a hip replacement surgery, a hip resurfacing surgery is also a joint replacement procedure. But the kind of implant used and the way a hip resurfacing surgery is performed, is different from a hip replacement surgery. To understand the differences between a hip replacement surgery and a hip resurfacing surgery, we need to first understand the hip joint structure. A hip joint is called as a Ball and Socket joint. The joint is formed by the acetabulum (concave surface) of the Pelvic bone (the hip bone) and the Femur (the thigh bone). The Ball is the head of the femur bone and the socket is the concave surface of the pelvic bone or the hip bone. The most important functions performed by this joint are as follows.
- to support the weight of the body in both in standing and walking or running postures
- to help in the movement of the legs
There are many conditions that may cause a severe pain in the hip. Some of the causes are fractures, muscle strain, tendonitis, arthritis etc. Arthritis is among the most common causes for a hip pain and when the conservative methods like medications, physiotherapy, weight loss, excercises etc fail then your doctor may give you an option of a hip replacement or a hip resurfacing surgery.
Hip resurfacing was developed much after hip replacement procedure and it was developed as a surgical alternative for hip replacement.
How a hip joint resurfacing surgery is different from traditional total hip replacement surgery ?
- The basic difference lies in the way the implant/prosthesis is fixed during the surgery. In a hip resurfacing surgery the head of the femur bone (thigh bone) is preserved. Hence it is called as a bone preserving method. The cartilaginous tissue on the head of the femur is just capped off. A metal cap is then fitted on the smooth head of the femur. A metal cup is placed inside the pelvic girdle where the head of femur fits in the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvic girdle. The metal cup and cap allow smooth and free movement. In a hip replacement surgery, the head of the femur bone is completely cut. In hip replacement surgery a prosthetic ball along with a stem is inserted in the thigh bone. In this case, the head of the femur is not just capped off, instead, it is completely replaced with a metal ball.
- Since hip resurfacing surgery is a bone conserving procedure, there is a scope for hip replacement surgery in the later stages of life of younger patients. Hip resurfacing surgery is ideal for younger patients, who may not have severe form of arthritis. It is also helpful for older people who have otherwise strong and healthy bones. Since, most patients with hip resurfacing have to go for hip replacement at some point of time in their lives, prolonging the surgery time with resurfacing is always a good idea. This is due to the fact that even hip replacement surgery does not last for more than 15 – 20 years.
- The recovery time in case of a hip replacement surgery is more the than that of a hip resurfacing surgery.
- In a hip resurfacing surgery, implant with ‘metal on metal’ bearing is used whereas in a conventional hip replacement surgery the metal and plastic implants are most commonly used.
What are the benefits associated with a hip resurfacing surgery ?
- Since an anatomical sized ‘metal on metal’ bearing implant or prosthesis is used in a hip resurfacing surgery, it lasts for longer time.
- Post operation, patients are encouraged to lead an active life unlike a hip replacement procedure which has a risk associated with dislocation of the implant.
- No bone is removed in this operation unlike hip replacement where the head and neck of the thigh bone is completely removed.
- The quality of bone actually improves with time after hip resurfacing and this makes a revision surgery easier if at all needed, unlike the very complicated situation in a revision Total Hip Replacement surgery
- Quicker recovery and hence shorter hospital stay when compared to a hip replacement surgery
What are the risks associated with a hip resurfacing surgery ?
Like any other major surgery, a hip resurfacing surgery has some associated risks. But due to the advancement in the technology and implant design and composition these risks are kept at minimal level. Some of the risks associated are as follows.
- There are very small chances of infections and hence patients are given antibiotics before surgery and for 24 hours after surgery to minimize the risk of infection.
- Blood clots or pulmonary embolism can occur after surgery. Therefore, patients are given a blood-thinning medication.
- There is a rare chance of Joint dislocation but if your hip comes out of joint you may need another operation to correct this.
- Your leg may be slightly shorter or longer, and you may need to wear a raised shoe on the shorter side to correct your balance.
- The metal surfaces may become loose from your bone and you may need further surgery to correct this.
Travel to India for hip joint resurfacing surgery. Get the Treatment Assistance advantage
India has some of the finest hip resurfacing surgery hospitals in the world. Our network hospitals in India are doing some great work in this field with an expert and vast experienced medical team. Some of the doctors are trained under the guidance of inventors of this procedure.Treatment Assistance has been helping international patients from all over the world to travel to India for high quality hip joint surgeries. Here is why you should choose Treatment Assistance as you preferred medical travel assistance provider to travel to India for your hip resurfacing surgery.
- Get free expert medical opinions from top hip resurfacing surgeons in India
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- All major and minor orthopedic treatments are offered at our network orthopedic hospitals in India
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How to Get Started ?
If you want to travel to India for high quality and affordable cervical cancer treatment then please send the following details to us by email at medical@treatmentassistance.in
- Name and age of the Patient
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- Details of current medical condition ( in brief )
For more information on traveling to India for medical treatment, you can write to us at medical@treatmentassistance.in or call or WhatsApp at +91 9900 244 323.