The benefits of hip resurfacing include more normal hip function, especially important to people who want to maintain a higher level of physical activity …
By Harvey Smires, M.D. Special to The Packet
A remarkable new alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery is giving those who suffer from hip pain the chance to pursue the kind of active lifestyle they desire. It is called the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System, and the procedure is available at University Medical Center at Princeton.
Hip pain is a common condition, especially in older adults. Individuals who suffer from debilitating hip pain normally first explore non-surgical treatments. These include lifestyle modification — losing weight, changing diet, exercise and physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. For advanced hip osteoarthritis, conventional hip replacement surgery has been the most common surgical treatment.
The new Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure is especially attractive for younger, more active patients who have a higher possibility of needing further hip joint surgery in the future, and thus, have to think about conserving more bone. The benefits of hip resurfacing also include more normal hip function, especially important to people who want to maintain a higher level of physical activity, making it most ideal for patients under the age of 60 who live non-sedentary lifestyles. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with kidney disease or for women who are pregnant.
While hip resurfacing preserves more bone than hip replacement, there are some issues to consider. The procedure requires a longer incision, 6 to 8 inches, rather than a 3-inch incision for hip replacement. This results in a longer recovery period. In addition, the rehabilitation protocol is different for patients who have hip resurfacing. While hip resurfacing patients have no dislocation precautions, their recovery is intentionally slowed down to prevent fracture until the bone remodels. Over the first year, the patient may return to low-impact activities, such as swimming, walking and bicycling. After the first year, higher impact physical activity, such as jogging, tennis and even skiing, may be considered with a physician’s advice.
Patients considering the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure should start by having a comprehensive discussion with their physician. Candidates are carefully screened through a process that includes a full medical exam, X-ray, and examination of blood and kidney function. Risks include those associated with any conventional hip replacement, including infections, damage to blood vessels, hip dislocation, thrombosis, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
In an international study of 1,626 hip patients, 99.5 percent reported they were “pleased” or “extremely pleased” with the results of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System, which proved responsive in treating the most common causes of hip pain, including osteoarthritis, a progressive, degenerative disease that can cause the formation of bone spurs and hip dysplasia.
Hip resurfacing is another example of the innovative treatment approaches that are offered at UMCP. A statewide leader in orthopedics, UMCP has received a 5-Star rating for overall joint replacement surgery for the second year in a row from HealthGrades, a national independent healthcare ratings company.
The Community Education & Outreach Program of Princeton HealthCare System is sponsoring a presentation, “Hip Resurfacing for Men,” to be held Thursday, Nov. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Princeton HealthCare System Community Education & Outreach, 731 Alexander Road, Suite 103, West Windsor. Registration is required. Please register online at www.princetonhcs.org/calendar or call 888-897-8979.
Harvey Smires, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Princeton HealthCare System