Is your hip worn out? Everything about Hip Resurfacing Surgery is simple. (Hip Resurfacing Surgery)

Do you also have hip pain? Do you find it difficult to do your daily activities because of the pain that comes from your hip, even when you walk a little, climb a flight of stairs, or just stand still? Maybe your doctor has told you about a surgery called 'Hip Resurfacing' instead of completely replacing the hip. So today, let's talk about this, very simply, as if you were talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip Resurfacing is also a surgery to repair damage to the hip joint. It is somewhat similar to Total Hip Replacement. The main difference is that less of your natural hip joint is removed.

Think of your hip joint as a ball and socket joint.

• Acetabulum: This is the cup.
• Femoral Head: This is the ball.

In a total hip replacement, both the ball and the cup are removed and artificial ones are inserted. However, in a Hip Resurfacing surgery, this is what happens:

1. The doctor removes only the damaged hip socket (cup) and replaces it with an artificial one.

2. Then , the head (ball) of your own femur is not completely removed. Instead, only the damaged part of the surface is scraped off and shaped to fit the new artificial cup. That's what's called 'Resurfacing.'

3. Finally, a metal cap is placed over the head of the created femur.

Simply put, the goal of this surgery is to save as much of your own bone as possible.

What symptoms lead to this surgery?

If your hip problem has not improved despite taking medication, doing physical therapy, and making changes to your daily routine, your doctor may recommend this surgery. The following are the symptoms that usually lead to this surgery:

• Severe hip pain: Pain that occurs when just standing or walking.
• Joint stiffness: inability to bend or straighten the hip easily.
• Difficulty walking: Difficulty walking, limping.
• Swelling: Swelling of the hip joint.
• Loss of stability: Feeling off balance when carrying a weight on the hips.

The main cause of these conditions is arthritis. This surgery is often performed on people with osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease . It may also be necessary for some people with rheumatoid arthritis .

Who is this surgery best suited for?

Hip resurfacing surgery is not for everyone. Because it doesn't completely remove the head of your thigh bone, the bone needs to be strong and healthy to be able to hold a metal plate over it.

Check out the information below and you will be able to understand for yourself who this surgery is best suited for.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Your doctor will prepare you well before the surgery. This may include:

• A complete physical examination: See if you are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
• Blood tests.
• ECG test: Check the functioning of the heart.
• Dental checkup: Check for any dental problems to reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
• Imaging tests: An X-ray of the hip will definitely be done. You may also be asked to do an MRI or CT scan.

Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking (including vitamins and supplements) . You may be asked to stop taking certain medications before surgery. Your doctor will also advise you on how long you should stop eating and drinking the day before surgery.

How is the surgery done?

On the day of your surgery, you will be given anesthesia to prevent you from feeling any pain. You may be given general anesthesia, which puts you completely to sleep, or regional anesthesia, which numbs only the area around your hip.

During the surgery, the doctor will follow these steps:

1. An incision is made around the hip.

2. The damaged cartilage and bone fragments in the hip socket are removed.

3. Instead, an artificial hip joint is implanted.

4. Next, the head of your thigh bone (femoral head) is scraped, reshaped, and resurfaced to fit the newly inserted prosthesis.

5. A metal cap is placed over the head of the prepared femur.

6. Finally, the hip joint is put back into place and the head of your own thigh bone is placed inside the new socket.

This surgery usually takes about two or three hours .

What are the benefits of this surgery?

The biggest benefit of this surgery is how much your quality of life improves. After a successful surgery, pain is significantly reduced, walking and working becomes easier, and strength increases. After complete recovery, you can engage in any physical activity you enjoy.

Are there risks and complications?

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

• Femoral neck fractures: As the head of the femur is being repaired, the part just below it (the neck) can become weak. This can lead to a small risk of fracture. If this happens, a total hip replacement may be necessary.
• Metal-on-metal ionization: If the femoral head cap and the hip socket are both metal, over time, the two metal parts can rub against each other and release tiny metal particles (ions). These particles can damage the tissues around the hip and weaken the bone. This is a very rare occurrence.

In addition to this, there are some common risks that can occur with any surgery.

• Blood clotting.
• Infections at the surgical site or within the joint.
• Nerve damage.
• Problems with implanted prosthetic parts.

Your doctor will explain to you in detail how you can minimize these risks.

How long does it take to heal?

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

Many people will need to undergo physical therapy for several weeks. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your hip muscles and restore movement in the joint.

Whenever you need to talk to the doctor!

When you get home after surgery, there are some things you should be aware of. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
• Fever higher than 101 Fahrenheit (39 Celsius).
• Excessive bleeding from the surgical wound.
• Signs of wound infection (discharge, swelling, discoloration, odor, warmth).
• New or worsening pain in the leg, foot, ankle, or foot.
• Severe pain that does not subside even with painkillers.

Hip Resurfacing, hip surgery, hip replacement, osteoarthritis, hip pain, hip pain, arthroplasty