Questions continue surrounding total hip replacement and hip resurfacing

San Francisco, CA - infoZine- Both total hip replacement and hip resurfacing procedures continue to spark a lively ongoing discussion amongst orthopaedic surgeons. Some are calling hip resurfacing a more effective alternative to total hip replacement, while others are saying complications associated with resurfacing far outweigh its effectiveness.

Total hip replacement involves an orthopaedic surgeon removing the head (or ball) and neck of the femur (thighbone) and replacing them with a metal implant. The resurfacing procedure reshapes the head of the thighbone and covers it with a metal and plastic implant, sparing part of the bone.

"Hip resurfacing is not new to orthopaedics. It has been around for more than 10 years now," said William Maloney, MD, professor of surgery and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford, University. "We are now starting to acquire experience and measurable data associated with the procedure and its outcomes. One reason for this discussion is that orthopaedic surgeons are dealing with more direct-to-consumer advertising today when it comes to resurfacing. Patients are coming into our offices and asking for the procedure without really understanding what is involved or even if they are a suitable candidate."

Those who perform hip resurfacing procedures say:

• It is a less invasive surgery with a shorter hospital stay and recovery time
  
• Patients experience a better range of motion after surgery
  
• Patients experience a longer implant life

Those who perform total hip replacement say:

• It is no more invasive than resurfacing
  
• Healing time is much the same as for resurfacing patients
  
• More of the patient population stands to benefit from total hip replacement