A solution to your hip pain: Hip Resurfacing Surgery in simple terms

Do you also have severe pain in your hip? Do you feel a lot of pain when you walk, bend over, or climb stairs? Your doctor may have told you about a total hip replacement. But today we are going to talk about a slightly different method that can protect your natural hip more.

What is this Hip Resurfacing?

Simply put, this is also a hip replacement surgery. Doctors sometimes call it Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty. It is somewhat similar to a total hip replacement. But the biggest and most important difference is that your natural hip is not completely removed and replaced with an artificial one.

Think of our hip joint as a ball and socket joint. The ball-like part on top of the thigh bone (femur) rotates inside the cup-like part of the hip bone called the acetabulum.

This is what happens during Hip Resurfacing surgery:

1. Hip socket/acetabulum: The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from your hip socket and replaces it with a prosthetic metal cup (acetabulum).

2. Femoral Head: The ball-like part of the femur is not completely removed. Instead, only the damaged part of the surface is scraped off, resurfaced, and a metal cap is placed over it.

It's like building a new door frame that's already in good shape, but you're just going to have to make the door a little stronger. This way, you'll save more of your natural bone.

What symptoms is this surgery performed for?

If your hip pain is not controlled by medication, physical therapy, and changes in daily activities, your doctor may recommend this surgery. In most cases, the main cause is arthritis. This is especially common in people with osteoarthritis.

Who is really suitable for Hip Resurfacing surgery?

Simply put, your thigh bone (femur) needs to be strong and healthy enough to be reshaped. People who are generally best suited for this surgery are:

• People under 60 years of age
• People who lead a physically active life (e.g., those who play sports, exercise)
• People with a strong, healthy skeletal system

Additionally, the size of your hip bones is also an important factor. Men are generally considered to be more suitable for this surgery because their bones are slightly larger than women's. However, the size and strength of your bones are more important than your gender. Your doctor will examine your body, needs, and medical condition to determine which surgery is best for you.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Your surgeon will prepare you for the surgery. This may include the following:

• A complete physical examination to see if you are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
• Several blood tests .
• An ECG test to check the functioning of the heart.
• A dental check-up to reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
• An X-ray of the hip. An MRI or CT scan may also be needed.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, as well as any vitamins or supplements you are taking. Some medications may need to be stopped a few days before surgery. Your doctor will also advise you on when to stop eating and drinking the day before surgery.

What are the advantages of this surgery?

The biggest benefit is how much your quality of life will improve if this surgery is successful. You will start to feel a significant reduction in pain, improved ability to walk, and increased strength. Once you are fully healed, you can return to the physical activities you love.

Some other advantages:

• More movement and activity: If you have a total hip replacement, you will often be limited to light exercises such as walking and swimming. However, after this Hip Resurfacing surgery, you may be able to run, jump, and play sports once you have fully recovered.
• Reduced risk of dislocation: Since part of your natural bone remains, this is less likely to dislocate than a total hip replacement.
• Improved biomechanics: If the way you walk, run, or jump has changed due to pain, you will be able to do those things more accurately and safely after surgery.
• Long-term recovery: This surgery is long-lasting. Many people can live their entire lives without any problems.

Aren't there risks and complications?

Hip resurfacing is generally a safe and successful procedure, but like any surgery, there are some risks.

How long does it take to heal?

It may take several months to fully recover. However, your doctor will tell you to gradually put weight on your hip and move it from the day after surgery. You may need to use crutches or a walker for the first few weeks.

Many people will need several weeks of physical therapy . A physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your hip muscles and regain lost range of motion.

You will be able to resume your daily activities after about six weeks . Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume strenuous physical activities such as running, jumping, and playing sports.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your surgeon or another doctor immediately.

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) (If this occurs, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.)
• Fever higher than 101 Fahrenheit (39 Celsius).
• Excessive bleeding or pus-like fluid leaking from the surgical wound.
• Signs of infection, such as swelling, discoloration, odor, or unusual warmth in the wound.
• New or worsening pain in the thigh, hip, ankle, or foot.
• The pain is so severe that it is uncontrollable, even with painkillers.