Hip resurfacing
Hip resurfacing provides a bone conserving solution for the younger, more active patient in line with their increased demands for higher activity. If you are a suitable candidate for this type of operation, it is possible that you will be able to return to relatively normal levels of activity – many resurfacing patients have been able to take part in modest recreational sporting activities with their new hip.
In conventional total hip replacements, the head of the thigh bone is removed and replaced. With a hip resurfacing, such as Corin’s Cormet, only the diseased or damaged surfaces of the hip joint – the femoral head (‘ball’) and the acetabulum (‘socket’) – are replaced with metal surfaces. The artificial joint may be cemented in position or press-fit securely in place without cement. In a ‘cementless’ fixation, the surface of the implant is covered in a special coral-like coating. Over time, the patient’s natural bone grows through the pores, attaching the artificial joint to the hip’s natural remaining bone structure.
This procedure is much more bone conserving than a conventional hip replacement, as the head of the femur is simply reshaped and resurfaced, rather than being totally removed. This will facilitate further surgery should the implant need replacing at any time in the future. Hip resurfacing is therefore suitable for patients who are younger and at risk of requiring more than one hip replacement over their lifetime.
Other advantages for the younger patient stem from the materials used. As both components or ‘bearing surfaces’ are made from metal (rather than plastic), the resurfacing system may last longer and may therefore be more suitable for patients with higher levels of activity. The femoral bearing is also a larger diameter than is used in a conventional total hip replacement – closer to the size of the head of the natural femur. This means that it is less likely to dislocate than the smaller diameter bearing of a total hip replacement.
In recent years the use of ‘minimally invasive’ techniques has become more widespread, with surgeons making smaller incisions, causing less disruption to the soft tissues surrounding the hip. The instruments used with Cormet, are designed to allow the surgeon to use small incision techniques.
However, hip resurfacing is not suitable for everyone. It may usually be recommended for younger patients, typically below the age of 65 with a relatively active lifestyle. It is not suitable for women of child bearing age or for those patients with low bone density or osteoporosis. Your surgeon will discuss your options and will advise whether or not this type of operation is recommended for your individual circumstances.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
