Hip Resurfacing

Hip Resurfacing v Hip Replacement

Hip resurfacing surgery is the alternative to the more invasive hip replacement surgery. Patients experiencing severe hip arthritis are the prime candidates for hip resurfacing surgery, which is medically referred to as anthroplasty. Although doctors have used the hip replacement surgery, usually to treat younger patients suffering from hip arthritis, it has just recently become popular again. The reason for the resurgence in popularity of andthroplasty is due to the new materials used as implants. When surgeons first began performing hip resurfacing surgery in the 70s they used metal and plastic implants, which more times than not caused problems for the patients after just a few years requiring them to undergo yet another surgery. In the 1990s, doctors introduced the new implant which is a two piece device made entirely out of metal. This new implant has led to far less failures than had been previously seen in the 70s and 80s.

There are many reasons why patients would opt to have hip resurfacing surgery rather than hip replacement surgery. First of all, much less bone needs to be removed during hip resurfacing than during a hip replacement. Patients also experience much less “stress shielding,” which refers to the bone around the implant weakening and thinning. There is also less of a risk of dislocation after the surgery. Lastly, if the patient needs to have another surgery in the future, a revision after hip resurfacing surgery is easier.

Doctors suggest that young patients, those under the age of 60, with a strong bone structure are the best candidates for this procedure. Patients over the age of 60, patients who are obese, patients with arthritis, and women have shown more complications following hip resurfacing surgery. Although the reasons for why women are more at risk for complications are unknown, it is believed to be due to the fact that women's bones are weaker than men's.

About Hip Resurfacing Abroad

As hip resurfacing becomes more popular, many patients from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia are getting the procedure done abroad. Countries like India and Belgium are at the forefront of medical tourism. Patients are flocking to these countries in order to have hip resurfacing as they either cannot afford the same procedure in their own country or want to save money. Having anthroplasty in either India or Belgium is extremely cost effective and patients can be assured to be treated by high quality doctors.