Benfits of Hip Resurfacing and Some Disadvantages

Today hip resurfacing is a viable alternative to hip replacement. Until some time ago the failure rates for this procedure were high but with the improvements in metallurgy, surgical techniques and better understanding of the body's biochemical processes the procedure has become quite popular especially amongst the active younger generation. This is because hip replacement surgery is more invasive than hip resurfacing.

In hip resurfacing, instead to replacing the femoral head as in hip replacement , the femoral head (the bone head of the leg that moves inside the socket) and hip socket (acetabulum) are resurfaced. Therefore this procedure preserves the femoral head and neck and that is why the procedure is considered less invasive than hip replacement. Also as there is minimum bone loss, making it a conserving procedure, there is less stress on the bones.

As the geometry of the hip is left mostly undisturbed there is no risk of discrepancies in the length of the leg. Even if hip surgery becomes necessary in the future it can be easily done. What makes the procedure more attractive is the fact that, the femoral bone material is not only preserved it is also loaded in a more natural manner so that stress shielding is avoided.

Another advantage is that in hip resurfacing as compared to hip replacement the femoral head size is larger which allows the patient to enjoy a higher range of movements with more stability. This reduces the risk of dislocation. Hip resurfacing comes with the advantages of a bearing surface that is metal on metal, using modern metallurgy, so that the rate of wear is very low.

Overall, hip resurfacing results in better outcome and functioning of the joints than hip replacement. There is also quicker rehabilitation in case of hip resurfacing as compared to hip replacement because there is less thigh pain. The reason for this is that, in hip resurfacing there is a shorter stem inside the femoral neck. Also there is little debris because both the surfaces are made out of cobalt chrome and there is minimal wear. The greater range of movement also affords a more active lifestyle in individuals who have undergone this procedure.

On the flip side there are a few disadvantages associated with hip resurfacing. One is the fact that the procedure is more complex than hip replacement and therefore needs a higher degree of expertise. If done improperly it can lead to future complications. Also there is some concern in scientific circles about possible migration of metal ions into the placenta in pregnant women although no such problem has come to light till date. To conclude, the benefits of hip resurfacing far outweigh the disadvantages.