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Younger and Active Adults Can Benefit from Hip Resurfacing

Michael J. Anderson, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: June 1, 2007

When I performed the first Birmingham Hip Resurfacing technique and implant in southeastern Wisconsin last September, I knew this new technology was full of promise for younger and active adults suffering with hip pain and arthritis. Nine months later, more than 50 implants have been performed and the program boasts the largest number of implantations in the Milwaukee area. The results have been more than encouraging. Complication rates have been lower than anticipated and patient satisfaction has been excellent.

Hip resurfacing differs from traditional total hip replacement surgery where the head of the femur (thighbone) is replaced with a metal socket that fits into a plastic liner in the pelvis. While this is still an outstanding treatment option for those with severe hip problems, hip resurfacing offers a solid alternative, especially for people who are young and relatively healthy. Energetic baby boomers under the age of 60 who plan to lead an active lifestyle for many more years are typically the best candidates for this procedure.

During hip resurfacing, the femur head is not removed but rather reshaped and fitted with a high carbide cobalt chrome cap, which fits into a metal lining in the pelvis. This technique, known as Metal on Metal, typically results in far better wear and fixation of the hip joint, meaning the joint is more secure and wears at a significantly slower rate than metal-on-plastic joints. Caution should still be used in deciding which option is best for each patient.

The biggest benefit of hip resurfacing is the conservation of the femur bone, which decreases the likelihood of hip dislocation and produces an improved range of motion. Having as much first-generation bone as possible also can be a distinct advantage for patients needing subsequent hip surgeries as they age. Recovery time is typically less than with a traditional hip replacement – usually a few weeks to three months, compared to a three- to six-month recovery period for traditional surgery.

Because it is still major surgery, however, hip resurfacing does carry with it the inherent risk of any surgery – primarily low-grade infection, fracture of the femur or avascular necrosis (a disease resulting from loss of blood supply to the bones), although the possibility of these risks occurring is low.

Good candidates for hip resurfacing are generally younger, more active patients whose bones are in good shape and without deformity in order to withstand the resurfacing of the femur head.

For patients facing hip resurfacing, or any hip replacement surgery, I typically recommend having a full medical evaluation and a moderate exercise plan in place to achieve the best physical state possible before surgery. Many of my patients swim or bike as a way to strengthen the hip before surgery. Also, because of the innovative nature of hip resurfacing surgery, I recommend an institution such as Columbia St. Mary’s where the orthopaedic program has the expertise, experience and state-of-the-art technology to perform this pioneering procedure.

Another reason to consider Columbia St. Mary’s for joint replacement surgery is the innovative Joint Camp program. The philosophy of Joint Camp is that you are a healthy person who happens to have a bad joint. Operated by orthopaedic experts, Joint Camp is an educational program for patients before and after surgery. The pre-surgical curriculum includes information about the surgery, the hospital stay and recovery. Patients get to meet other patients that will be on the unit for joint replacement surgery. Post-surgical activities with Joint Camp can include individual and group therapy sessions, information about medications, exercise and follow-up care.

The Joint Camp team regularly incorporates many of the patient’s caregivers, including nurses, therapists, discharge planners, care coordinators and a personal “coach” – usually a patient’s loved one – who will be with a patient each step of the way. At Columbia St. Mary’s, we have found this type of program a successful format for quicker recovery and overall positive patient attitude throughout the entire joint replacement experience.

If you have questions about joint replacement, please call 414-961-3546.

To order a free DVD about Columbia St. Mary’s Joint Replacement Program, please call 414-326-1745.


Michael Anderson, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Columbia St. Mary’s

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