What Is Hip Resurfacing Surgery?

The goal of a hip resurfacing procedure is to treat hip pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions. Compared to a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing preserves as much healthy bone as possible.

However, it's important to note that not everyone will be a good candidate for hip resurfacing surgery. Men under the age of 60 are typically the best candidates due to age-related and anatomical factors, including activity levels, the relative likelihood of hip implants degrading in their lifetime and needing replacement, and the generally larger size of their bone structures.

Consulting with an experienced orthopedic surgeon is the best way to determine what treatment is right for your specific circumstances. At Resurgens Orthopaedics, our experts can walk you through the pros and cons of each hip replacement procedure and craft a custom, thorough care plan to treat your hip pain.

What Is the Difference Between Hip Resurfacing and Hip Replacement?

Both procedures are designed to reduce hip pain while improving mobility and function, but they accomplish that goal in different ways. In a traditional total hip replacement, doctors will remove more bone and tissue, including the ball-shaped head of your thigh bone and the hip socket itself, and replace those with plastic, metal, or ceramic implants.

However, hip resurfacing surgery preserves the head of your thigh bone. Instead of removing the head, the thigh bone is "capped" with a smooth metal surface, and damaged bone or tissues within the hip socket are replaced with a metal shell.

Why Is a Hip Resurfacing Procedure Performed?

Most patients who undergo hip resurfacing surgery are seeking to relieve arthritic hip pain that has reached unbearable levels. It can also be an appealing option for younger patients who feel that hip pain is preventing them from participating in the activities they love.

When determining whether hip resurfacing surgery or a total hip replacement is right for you, it's important to understand that hip implants are mechanical devices that typically last 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. If a total hip replacement can last the rest of your expected life, that is typically the better option. However, for patients under 60, hip resurfacing procedures may be easier to revise or redo in the future, given the likelihood of implants failing over time. Hip resurfacing surgery can also give you a more natural walking pattern and decrease the chance of dislocating your hip when compared to a total replacement.

How To Prepare for Hip Resurfacing Surgery

Like any major procedure, hip resurfacing surgery requires some preparation and careful coordination with your medical team to minimize potential issues. Steps you will need to take include:

• Manage medications, drugs, and supplements: Your primary physician and orthopedic surgeon will review your medical history in detail and help you determine when to stop taking certain medications or supplements, such as blood thinners and NSAIDs, before your hip resurfacing procedure.

• Ensure good dental standing: Certain dental conditions can introduce bacteria to your bloodstream, which can cause infection in your hip implants. Because of this, any major dental conditions will need to be resolved before your hip resurfacing procedure.

• Follow presurgical guidance carefully: In the days leading up to your procedure, your medical team will provide instructions about any special preparations you'll need to do at home, when to stop eating/drinking before your procedure, and what to bring with you to the hospital.

After a major procedure like hip resurfacing, you will need someone to drive you home. It's also likely that you will need 24/7 support around the house for at least a week, so you should make a detailed support plan with your friends, family, and/or neighbors. You should also prepare your home by clearing common pathways to avoid accidents, and you might consider purchasing helpful devices like a shower chair, a shoehorn, a grabbing tool, and other items that will help aid your mobility and comfort while you recover.

What Happens During a Hip Resurfacing Procedure?

At Resurgens Orthopaedics, a hip resurfacing surgery is an outpatient procedure so you won't have to stay overnight at a hospital. A general overview of how you can expect your procedure to go is as follows:

• Meet with an anesthesiologist to confirm your anesthesia choice. Patients undergoing this procedure typically receive regional anesthesia or general anesthesia.

• Prior to surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will visit you and mark the correct hip for surgery.

• When your medical team is ready to begin surgery, they will administer anesthesia. Most hip resurfacing procedures last 1.5 to 2 hours. During that time, your surgeon will:

• Make an incision to reach your hip joint, and separate your thigh bone from the hip socket.

• Fix the "head" or "ball" of your thigh bone using specialized power tools to trim away any damaged bone or tissue.

• Place a smooth, cap-shaped metal implant over the ball.

• Remove the cartilage and tissue from the hip socket, replacing it with a cup-shaped metal implant.

• Place the capped ball of your thigh bone back into the refurbished hip socket.

• Close and bandage the initial incision.

• After surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room until your anesthesia wears off and your pre-arranged transportation is ready to take you home.

Are There Risks Associated with Hip Resurfacing Surgery?

Hip resurfacing surgery was first approved by the Food & Drug Administration in 2006, and like all surgical procedures, it carries some level of risk. Your physician will discuss these risks with you in detail and provide specific instructions to help minimize them.

For hip resurfacing procedures, risks can include:

• Nerve or blood vessel damage

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Fractures in the femoral neck (the part of the thigh bone that supports the "ball" or "head")

• Adverse reactions to the metal in your implants

Remember: If you experience any signs of fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, limited movement, or severe pain in the hip beyond the expected recovery period, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Hip Resurfacing Recovery: What To Expect After Surgery

Due to modern surgical techniques, after hip resurfacing surgery, patients are typically able to bear their full weight on their hips right away. In some cases, the use of a cane, walker, or crutches may be necessary for a couple of weeks.

It's normal to experience some pain and discomfort for a few weeks after surgery, and most patients can expect to return to their pre-surgery levels of activity in about 6 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for relief. Some patients may also require physical therapy to promote a healthy recovery. Your medical team will help you manage these factors and track your progress during regular check-ups after your hip resurfacing procedure.

If you would like to learn more about hip resurfacing in Atlanta, the expert doctors and surgeons at Resurgens Orthopaedics are ready to help you get moving again. Schedule your appointment today!