Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System

Hip replacement surgery has long been used to treat patients whose hips have been damaged by arthritis, fractures, trauma, dysplasia or avascular necrosis. Over the course of past decade, hip resurfacing has been developed as a high-performance surgical alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery used for severe arthritis of the hip joint.

In recent years, Birmingham hip resurfacing has emerged as an exciting new alternative to total hip replacement.

Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing is the first hip resurfacing system approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Approved on May 9, 2006, this innovative system is now widely used in the United Kingdom and 26 other countries.

Its bone-preservation approach, globally proven results and state-of-the-art design together have made this new resurfacing system a huge hit among worldwide patients with end-stage arthritis of the hip. The system has been implanted in 125,000 hip arthritic patients around the world.

Mechanism
Birmingham hip resurfacing is a safe and effective metal on metal resurfacing system, in which an implant is surgically placed to replace an arthritic hip joint. It is a two-part system involving a socket in the shape of a shallow cup that fits into the hip socket (acetabulum), and a cap in the form of a ball head.

In the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon shaves off, instead of cutting of, only the worn surface of the femoral head (ball) and implants a cobalt-chrome metal cap over the resurfaced ball of the femur.

The major difference between resurfacing and a hip replacement is the amount of bone that is preserved or removed during the surgery. The system is designed to conserve more bone than a traditional hip replacement. Essentially, this technologically advanced surgical procedure removes only the diseased surface of the head.

While implanting the resurfacing prosthesis, the surgeon resurfaces just a few centimeters of bone, retaining the healthy bone in the hip joint.

The younger, athletic baby boomers who have worn out their joints too soon can benefit from this system's conservative approach to treatment. What makes the procedure more ideal are the virtual elimination of dislocation and excellent survivorship.

It is not suitable for female, patients of child-bearing age and the adults over 60 who are not so active. However, the elderly who are living non-sedentary lifestyles may also be may be good candidates.

Complications
If not taken care of properly, the resurfaced hip joint can wear, which may result in an increase in metal ions in the patient's blood and urine.

Also, femoral neck fracture can occur. The improper prosthetic seating or misalignment of the device can increase the risk of fracture. Risk of hip fracture is twice as high in women as in men.

Femoral component loosening is another complication that may occur due to inadequate fixation of the prosthesis.

The risk of metal hypersensitivity is common in patients who have undergone arthroplasty.

Femoral neck narrowing and higher-grade heterotopic ossification (HO) are the other complications associated with this surgery.

Precautions
Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery requires special care during the first few months following the operation.

Mentioned below are some precautions you should consider in the first six to 12 months, which are the most vulnerable for the new hip joint.

Avoid heavy lifting.
Do not bend forward to pick up things or reach your feet.
Do not participate in high-impact activities like jogging or jumping.
Do not twist or cross your legs.
Try not to lift your knee higher than your hip.
Avoid extreme movements of the hip.
Keep a pillow between your knees to prevent crossing of the legs while sleeping.
Lastly, strictly follow your surgeon's limitations on activity level for a successful hip resurfacing procedure.