Hip Resurfacing As An Alternative To Hip Replacement
The impact of hip pain on your quality of life can be devastating, in particular when it prevents you from moving freely and impacts your everyday tasks. However, total hip replacement (THR) surgery has remained the conventional clinical intervention for cases of hip joint wear; a more sophisticated surgical procedure known as hip resurfacing is gaining ground as a viable alternative. Hip resurfacing is especially helpful in younger and more active patients because it leaves more of the natural bone and provides more range of motion.
This blog looks at the comparison of hip resurfacing to total hip replacement, the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure and how the top hip replacement doctor in Delhi, Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, is providing this new and innovative means of hip treatment.
What is Hip Resurfacing?
A bone-conserving surgery, hip resurfacing is used to repackage and cover the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) with a smooth metal coating, instead of removing it entirely as in THR. A metal cup is also incorporated in the acetabulum (hip socket), forming a metal-on-metal bearing surface. The method preserves a larger amount of the original patient anatomy.
How It Differs from Total Hip Replacement
Bone Preservation: In contrast to THR, hip resurfacing preserves much of the femoral bone and thus future revision surgeries are theoretically simplified.
Stability: The larger head of the femur in resurfacing provides more stability in the joint, reducing the chances of dislocation.
Activity Levels: Patients become more assured to resume high-impact sports and active lifestyles.
Ideal Candidates for Hip Resurfacing
Not all patients are candidates for hip resurfacing. The most qualified are:
Under the age of 60 years
Male patients (because of anatomical and bone density reasons)
People who are active and whose bones are of good quality
Individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or hip dysplasia
Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, the best hip replacement surgeon in Delhi, considers each and every case and makes the recommendation of the most suitable procedure by using imaging and diagnostic tools.
Advantages of Hip Resurfacing
Bone Conservation: By preserving the femoral head, one can have a better revision mechanism in the future.
Better Joint Function: The bigger metal head resembles the natural anatomy of the body, and it provides better stability.
Decreased Dislocation Risk: This is particularly useful to sportsmen and people who are actively engaged.
Accelerated Recovery: The recovery process in some patients takes shorter periods.
Longevity: With properly selected patients, hip resurfacing may offer long-term pain and stiffness relief.
Metal Sensitivity: There is a potential for allergy or metallosis in the metal-on-metal bearing, releasing ions.
Femoral Neck Fracture: The remaining neck of the femur can fracture after surgery, although this is uncommon.
Not Suitable for Women: Women are hardly recommended to undergo this procedure because of the smaller sizes of their bones and osteoporosis.
To reduce these risks, Dr. Malhotra uses stringent screening procedures and picks the patients who have the best chance of benefiting.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The post-operative care resembles that of a classic hip replacement:
Hospital Stay: 2-4 days (normally)
Physical Therapy: Starts in 24-48hours after the surgery
Mobility Aids: Patients may be on a walker or a cane for a few days
Back to the business: The majority of patients are back to normal business within 6-12 weeks
Dr. Rajesh Malhotra and his team offer an individual rehabilitation plan so that the way of recovery is secure and easy.
Why Choose Dr. Rajesh Malhotra?
Dr. Malhotra is one of the finest hip replacement surgeons in Delhi and has decades of experience, international training and the latest technologies to provide innovative procedures such as hip resurfacing. The high standards of care before and after consultation are guaranteed by his patient-centred approach, as well as a multidisciplinary team.
Conclusion
Hip resurfacing has become an important option for hip replacement for a specified type of patient, particularly younger adults who want long-term functionality with minimal loss of bone. Talking to the top hip replacement surgeon in Delhi will help you to consider whether this new technique suits you or not. Do not allow hip pain to determine your way of living; regain your freedom of movement today.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajesh Malhotra and be pain-free in motion.