Hip Resurfacing Surgery vs. Hip Replacement Surgery: What’s Best For You?

If you are suffering from long term hip pain due to arthritis, it can be difficult to see any choices beyond hip replacement surgery. But, for some arthritis patients, there is another choice: hip resurfacing surgery. This surgery is less complex than the replacement surgery, and offers some significant advantages for some patients.

Hip resurfacing surgery is a pioneering procedure to help people who are suffering from chronic arthritis pain in the hip. To understand how hip resurfacing surgery can help, you need to understand the mechanics of the hip. A hip joint is considered a ball and socket joint, meaning that the joint consists of a rounded portion connected to the leg bone (the 'ball'), and then an indented portion within the hip area, the 'socket' into which the leg bone fits.

The ball and socket joint is the most mobile type of joint in the body. But unfortunately, ball and socket joints are also uniquely vulnerable to problems like arthritis and degeneration. The bones can easily become weak and the joint can become cluttered with excess tissue and swelling typical of arthritis. When the ball can’t move freely in the socket, movement is impaired and pain results.

In previous years, the only option to resolve the pain was hip replacement surgery. But now, hip-resurfacing surgery is able to offer another solution for some men and women who face chronic conditions. In a hip resurfacing procedure, some of the original joint is able to be conserved, reducing recovery time and creating conditions that may be preferable in some patients.

The idea behind hip resurfacing surgery is to create easy motion within the ball and socket joint of the hip without a full replacement. First, the top of the ball joint is shaved down to make it smooth again. The same is done to the socket, making sure that both of them are free of deformities that might make it difficult for them to properly align. After this step is completed, the surgeon will install a metal plate conforming to the ball joint and another conforming to the socket joint. These two metal plates will interface, making the joint function more smoothly in the future.

Although hip resurfacing surgery tends to have a faster recovery time when compared with traditional hip replacement surgery, prospective patients should remember that it is still a surgery nonetheless. You will have to undergo anesthesia, and you will face the risks inherent in any surgical procedure. However, for many, these risks are well worth the reward of a life lived without the pain of arthritis.

Many people have heard of hip replacement surgery, but few understand the procedure without having it explained by their doctor. In a hip replacement surgery, the ball and socket of your hip joint are both replaced by synthetic elements. In a total hip replacement, all the cartilage is removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts, ensuring that there is no more pain due to inflammation and other cartilage complications that can arise though arthritis. There is a wide variety of replacement elements that can be used, and working with an experienced doctor is key to finding the ideal type for you.

Comparing Hip Replacement And Resurfacing

The major difference between replacement and resurfacing is how much of the bone is able to be salvaged. In a replacement, the bone is mostly replaced, resulting in the loss of a lot of natural bone tissue. But in a resurfacing, the bone is merely trimmed down, ensuring better function without a lot of loss. Because so much less of the bone is removed, resurfacing may be preferable, particularly in younger patients; conserving as much bone as possible makes it easier if more surgical intervention is necessary later in life. Although hip replacements can be durable, surgeons typically prioritize conservation whenever possible.

In addition, hip resurfacing surgery can have a much faster recovery period than hip replacement. In a full replacement, there are a lot of risks, such as dislocation and infection. But with a resurfacing, the risk of dislocation is much smaller; after all, it is still your own bone that is primarily deciding the parameters of the new joint, rather than a designed replacement. Although the risk of dislocation can be smaller, it absolutely still exists, as does the risk of infection. But in general terms, a hip replacement surgery will mean a longer recovery.

The typical patient who undergoes hip resurfacing surgery is younger and free of other disorders that might complicate the procedure. If the bones and joints are generally in good condition, the surgeon will typically try to retain as much of the bone mass as possible. However, if osteoporosis or other degenerative conditions are present, there is less incentive to try to retain any of it. In fact, it might be beneficial to replace it, particularly if there is sufficient degeneration. In general, resurfacing will be suitable for a smaller number of patients, but for those whom it suits it provides significant benefits.

Risks Of Hip Resurfacing

Although the procedure is relatively new, there have been some studies conducted to determine the results of the resurfacing surgery. Overall, the group that saw the most benefit was younger men. Women did not respond as well, and those who were more elderly also tended not to respond as strongly. The biggest problems that cause a hip resurfacing to fail are degeneration of the bone to the point where the caps installed come loose, or the breaking of the bone due to stress on the joints. It is reasonable that the elderly and women (two groups at high risk for osteoporosis and bone weakness) would see more problematic results because higher bone degeneration might be expected.

Some patients also saw an increased risk for a fracture of the upper part of the femur, known as the femoral neck. The femur is the bone whose end forms the “ball” element of the hip’s ball and socket joint. It is possible that the procedure can lead to fractures here, which can be complicated and may require surgery to treat.

Preparing For Surgery

Whether you choose to have hip replacement surgery or hip resurfacing, there are still many important steps to take before you go under anesthesia for the procedure. First, you’ll want to ensure that your house is going to help you recover, rather than hindering you with unforeseen obstacles. Do a circuit around your house before your surgery, checking for things like obstructed hallways or slippery floors. Although they may not be a problem for you when you are walking now, they can be very dangerous when you’re adjusting to your new or resurfaced hip.

In addition, no matter whether you expect to be alone or not, ensure that you are properly supplied if you do find yourself alone. Make sure that everything you might need is found on one floor of your house in order to minimize the distance (and number of stairs) that you must travel. Also ensure that food is available within easy reach and requires no preparation – you want to minimize the total time you’ll need to spend standing. Consider joining a hip replacement or resurfacing support group online.

Whether you are getting hip replacement surgery or hip resurfacing surgery, you’ll almost certainly have to enroll in physical therapy afterward. Your body may not have the natural hip movement that it once did, and it will absolutely have to adapt to the changes brought about by the installation of the new joint after the hip replacement. However, a qualified physical therapist will help you adapt to your new range of motion and help the joint reach its full potential. In addition, a good physical therapist will help you adjust to daily life while you are recovering. Both procedures carry a risk of dislocation, making it very important to avoid falls and other hazards in your home during the recovery process. A physical therapist will teach you how to use canes, walkers and other aids to ensure that you don’t trip, and that your hip is as little impacted as possible.

Looking Toward The Future

After your surgery, you can look forward to a dramatic reduction in pain that will last for years. There will be recovery involved, but hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries have been proven effective across a wide range of different patients. Although every body is unique, most health professionals agree that with an experienced surgeon and proper preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy years of pain free life. If you are suffering from arthritis or other degenerative and chronic hip problems, you owe it to yourself to see if surgery is a viable option for your condition. Using the knowledge you’ve gained from this article, find a good orthopedic surgeon and start investigating what is available. You never know what you’ll find.