Hip Resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is needed for repairing a damaged hip.
It is a modern version of ‘Artroplasty’,
which is to call for total hip replacement or THR.
How does it work?
The advantage Hip Resurfacing has over conventional
THR is quite a few. In this technique, lesser number
of bones is removed, lower number of hip dislocation
occur and if total hip replacement is needed in future,
bones will be available.
The new technique though has some short coming, is still gaining in popularity all over the world for being less cumbersome and more reliable. It is recommended for young active patients.
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)
It is a metal hip devise, that replaces the damaged
surface of the hip socket and a cap that covers the
ball shaped bone. The cap has a small stem, which is
inserted in the thigh bone. It is designed to relieve
the pain and allow better hip function.
Company’s caution
BHR is patented in the name of Smith and Nephew who
manufactures and markets the device has to say this:
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Long-term result of this device is
not known as it is just in the 8th year of application. |
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Usual complications associated with normal hip
replacement, like infections, damage to blood vessels,
dislocation of hip, thrombosis or anesthetic risk
also apply. |
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Presence of metal in metal hip is associated in
increase of metal ion in blood and urine. However,
no evidence so far has emerged pointing at BHR with
any health problem or any co relation thereof. |
Further studies are underway to find any ill effect of metal ions on pregnancy or on patients with kidney disease. Most doctors prefer to play safe and advice against BHR on these two categories of patients.
Shortcomings of HIP resurfacing
It can be performed only on young patients.
It is not recommended for patients with infection in body and blood, potential pregnant mothers, body not yet fully developed and patients who are overweight.
The surgeon will have to decide who qualifies for the hip damage repair exercise.
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