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Hip Resurfacing / Replacement
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing is an alternative to total hip replacement for younger or active adults who are considered "too young" for total hip replacement surgery.
Rather than replacing the entire hip joint, as in a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing simply shaves away the rough, damaged surface of the hip joint bones and replaces them with an all-metal implant that more closely resembles a tooth cap than a hp implant.
It also preserves more of the bone structure and has a lower risk of dislocation and inaccurate leg length than total hip replacement.
Candidates for BHR include:
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Patients experiencing hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip dysplasia or avascular necrosis
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Adults under age 60 for whom total hip replacement may not be appropriate due to an increased level of physical activity
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Active adults over age 60 may be candidates, depending on their bone quality.
Patients typically have a 3 - 4 day stay in our Joint Replacement Center for recovery and physical therapy. The typical rehabilitation program after the Hospital discharge is similar to that of a total-hip replacement surgery.
During the first year patients can participate in low-impact activities as their bone and muscles adjust to the new stresses (swimming, walking, bicycling). After year-one higher impact physical activity may be appropriate
