Hip Resurfacing Vs Hip Replacement: Which One Is Best For Your Knee?

Severe hip pain can affect your daily activities. When you feel the constant pain while walking, jogging, sitting, and even while sleeping, then it might affect your psyche as well.

But these days, various treatment options are available that will help to alleviate the pain without compromising your active lifestyle. Hip resurfacing is one such treatment option.

Here we will discuss when you should opt for the same along with the hip resurfacing pros and cons.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a conservative alteration to hip replacement that can shape the femoral head into a spherical, pegged-shaped one, instead of cutting the whole head(of the femur). A metal cap with a short peg is placed on the retained femoral head.

This indicates that the femur will have less bone loss and a more anatomic and normal-sized femoral head via hip resurfacing.

What is a hip replacement?

The damaged and diseased part of your hip is removed and replaced with prosthetic components during hip replacement surgery. To create room for the new prosthesis, the damaged part of the hip is shaved away.

Why do you need hip resurfacing?

Most patients suffering from severe hip pain will need to undergo hip replacement. However, not all patients with hip arthritis are candidates for hip replacement.

Your orthopedic may consider hip resurfacing only if-

• You are younger in age and lead an active lifestyle. In these cases, hip resurfacing is advised as younger patients may need to undergo second hip surgery(revised hip replacement) in their lifetime.
• Patients with metabolic disease should not consider hip resurfacing.
• Post-menopausal women should not opt for hip resurfacing as the procedure requires sufficient bone strength to bear the load of metallic shells or implants.
• Hip resurfacing is recommended for patients who have a malformed acetabulum or a considerable leg length disparity.
• Patients with chronic kidney disease or illness(CKD) are not suitable candidates for hip resurfacing, as this may lead to metal accumulation in your body.

How hip resurfacing surgery is done?

Hip resurfacing is a procedure that is unique in the manner it treats the thigh bone.

• The ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) is shaved down to a peg instead of being removed (similar to a tooth cap).
• The peg is then fashioned in such a way that a metal ball can be inserted around it.
• The preparation of the pelvic side is similar to a hip replacement. Bone is retained on the thigh bone's (femoral) side.

Pros and cons of hip resurfacing Vs hip replacement:

• Instead of removing the entire hip joint, only a limited amount of bone is shaved off. Thus it reduces bone loss during surgery.
• Allows more range of motion and helps to lead an active lifestyle.
• More wear-resistant than traditional hip implants.
• Lesser risk of postoperative dislocation
• Reduces the leg length discrepancy after surgery.
• Reduced recovery time in comparison to hip replacement.
• Reduced chances of undergoing revision or second hip surgery.

Though there are multiple advantages of undergoing such a procedure, some potential disadvantages are also present in the hip replacement procedure.

• Only metal to metal resurfacing is available. Till now, no ceramic hip resurfacing are available.
• Although the wear is very less in metal resurfacing. The metal resurfacing produces metal debris that accumulates inside the body. However, no such adverse effects have been reported to date.
• There is little information on what will happen to these prostheses after eight to ten years. Patients who have had to undergo hip resurface, appear to be doing as well as or better than patients who have had a total hip replacement.

The benefits of hip resurfacing have outweighed the disadvantages.

Why should you consider getting a hip resurfacing procedure in India?

India is the most favored place for orthopedic surgical treatment operations for three major reasons.

• India's cutting-edge technology,
• medical skills, and
• Hip resurfacing costs in India are among the best in the world, as our patients need affordable and quality health care.

Conclusion-By simply packing their medical journey to India, hip resurfacing in India can substantially benefit the patient with their orthopedic-related therapies. We also offer a comprehensive range of physiotherapy and surgical therapies to international patients during their post-discharge recuperation vacations.

How can we help in the treatment?

If you need to undergo a hip resurfacing procedure in India, we will serve as your guide throughout your treatment and will be physically present with you even before your treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance in hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangement for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality health care to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.