Hip resurfacing: 5 things every patient should know

The hips play a vital role in supporting much of the body’s weight. When something goes wrong, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. 

Even walking or standing might cause pain and discomfort. In rare situations, the discomfort and damage to the hips are so severe that a hip resurfacing or surface replacement is required 

This blog has compiled essential information and must-knows concerning hip resurfacing. 

Hip resurfacing is a treatment option for arthritis patients 
Hip resurfacing is a substitute to total hip replacement (THR) that is advised if you have severe arthritis and have exhausted all non-surgical treatment alternatives.  

Hip resurfacing offers numerous advantages over THR 
Hip resurfacing in Penrith offers numerous advantages over standard total hip replacements. In simple terms, the method takes less bone than a hip replacement, and patients report that the hip feels more natural following surgery. Hip surgery has advanced significantly, and research continues to make the operation more successful. 

Advantages of Hip Resurfacing  

The advantages of hip resurfacing vs total hip replacement are:   

  • Easier to revise: Components in both surgeries typically wear out, loosen, or fail after 10 to 20 years, necessitating revision surgery. Hip resurfacing requires less bone removal, therefore revision surgery should be easier.  
  • Lower risk of hip dislocation: With hip resurfacing, a larger, closer-to-normal-sized ball decreases the risk of hip dislocation.  
  • More natural walking patterns  
  • Increased range of hip motion 

Disadvantages of hip resurfacing  

The downsides of hip resurfacing include:  

  • Femoral neck fracture: There is a risk of femoral neck fracture following hip resurfacing, which may require a total hip replacement.  
  • Metal ion risk: Tiny metal particles or ions generated by the motion of the metal ball against the metal socket may cause an allergic reaction resulting in pain and edema.  

  • Difficulty: Resurfacing of the hip is a more challenging procedure, as it requires a wider incision for the procedure to be completed. 

Younger people are suitable for hip resurfacing 
Patients suffering from severe hip osteoarthritis, as well as other debilitating hip problems, who have not responded to conventional treatments, including physical therapy, medications, and injections, should consider hip resurfacing. 

Hip resurfacing does not involve removing most hip joint elements 
Traditionally, a total hip replacement removes the arthritic cartilage, the socket and the femoral head (head of the thigh bone) and replaces them with artificial parts. 

Recovery time is shorter than THR 
Your recovery from the operation will be determined by several factors, including your age, general well-being, physical condition, and the nature of the procedure. To ensure that your hip is healing properly and that your body responds appropriately, your surgeon requires that you remain in the hospital. 

When is hip resurfacing necessary? 
This treatment is most commonly utilised for significant alterations induced by osteoarthritis. 

However, it may be used in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis (a condition caused by a lack of blood supply, such as after a trauma) or other conditions. 

Bottom Line 
In case you have severe hip pain that hasn't responded to other treatments, hip resurfacing in Penrith may be an option for you. If you would like to learn more about your hip issues and how to manage them, contact Western Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation. 

Disclaimer: This is generic Information & post; content about the services can be changed from time to time as per your requirements and contract. This is written for only SEO purposes; we are not claiming it is 100% accurate as it's general content. The images we use in this context have been taken from the official website of Western Orthopaedics. To get the latest and updated information, contact us today or visit our website.

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