Hip Replacements
Hip replacement, or total hip replacement is a surgical procedure which replaces your arthritic or damaged hip joint with a new, artificial version. Hip replacements provide long-term relief from the pain and disability of osteoarthritis or hip trauma such as fracture, both of which can be very limiting in day to day life. It is one of the most successful medical treatments, with the highest increases of quality of life of all medical interventions, along with knee replacement which has similar results. It is a very good treatment, providing a high level of hip pain relief.
The hip joint is a large ball and socket joint, with both the original socket and the ball of the top of the thigh bone replaced with artificial components which imitate closely the natural movements of the normal hip
Hip Resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is an alternative strategy for hip arthritis, with a much smaller removal of bone allowing future hip replacement options to be maintained. A hemispherical insert is placed in the socket, with a similarly shaped part pressed onto the femoral head so the metal-on-metal hemispheres articulate with very low friction. The advantages of hip resurfacing surgery is that a large amount of bone is preserved, people can go back to their normal activities and dislocation is not likely.
Hip resurfacing problems and hip resurfacing complications are similar to those with hip replacement, with hip resurfacing recovery being a bit quicker and less complex than for hip replacement. Due to the reduced frequency of dislocation patients can perform more vigorous hip resurfacing exercises with the physiotherapist to restore hip movement and strength.
This metal on metal hip resurfacing technique means that the plastic wear problems of standard hip replacement are avoided, although concentrations of metal ions in the body have been recorded, without any evidence of harm. While private operations account for many instances of hip resurfacing, NHS hospitals units do provide this surgery in specialised areas.
The long term reliability and durability of hip resurfacing is a present unclear as they have not been studied for long enough, however they are expected to last ten years.