Q. How do I know if I am a candidate for hip resurfacing?

A. First your pain level must be sufficiently severe for you to seek a permanent surgical solution.

Next your surgeon will rely on evidence based medicine to determine your eligibility for a hip resurfacing. Generally young and active patients are potential candidates for hip resurfacing. A hip resurfacing is a better option than hip replacement in the selected group of patients as it preserves bone allowing a future reconstruction to a hip replacement. The final decision about a surface hip replacement is made by your surgeon after he studies your x rays. If your bone quality is good and there are no serious abnormalities, then you are probably a good candidate for a hip resurfacing.

Q. Is hip resurfacing the only bone preserving option? What happens if I can’t have a hip resurfacing but don’t want to have a total hip replacement?

A. The Proxima hip is another bone preserving option in young patients who have advanced bone destruction or cavities or abnormal anatomy. In this procedure, more bone is saved than a total hip replacement and replaced with a tiny stem less prosthesis. The head diameter matches the natural size and hence there is no risk of dislocation. The chances of developing thigh pain are less unlike a total hip replacement.

Q. Can you provide brief guidelines about the healing process?

A. The skin incision takes two weeks to heal. The cut soft tissues take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Since the acetabular component is uncemented, it takes 6 weeks to three months for bony fixation.

Q. What effect will this have on my activities?

A. There is a risk of dislocation in the early post operative period of 6 to 8 weeks. Hence you should not drive for this period. When getting in and out of a car, you should keep your leg straight and not cross the operated leg over the normal one.

Q. What are the activities that I could do after a hip resurfacing?

A There are no limitations of activities imposed after hip resurfacing. Patients have returned to skiing, light jogging, trekking. They are able to sit on the ground. This is possible on account of the metallurgical properties of the implants as very little wear takes place. Moreover the size of the ball and socket matches the natural size making it very stable.

Q. How long does the surgery take?

A. The operating time is about 2 – 3 hours. To this is added in anesthetic induction, positioning, prepping, draping and recovery times.

Q. Will I have lot of pain after the surgery?

A. With the systematic and comprehensive pain management protocol practiced by the team of anesthetists, you will not suffer much pain. This should allow a very quick recovery.

Q. When can I get into water to have a bath or shower?

A. You need to keep the wound dry for about two weeks till it heals. Then the dressing comes off, staples or sutures are removed, you can have a shower. Till then you should manage with a sponge bath.

Q. Where will I have the surgery?

A. You will have the surgery at a beautiful hospital in Chennai set amidst spacious surroundings. See pictures of the hospital here

Q. What is the risk of blood clots developing in my leg and what precautions are used to minimize the risk?

A. We do take all precautions to reduce the chance of a blood clot forming. You will be taught exercises like calf pumps, tightening the buttocks and thighs before your surgery. You should start doing these soon after waking up or recovering from the anesthetic. You should do this for 5 minutes every hour for about twenty repetitions. The physio-therapist will mobilize you very early and get you on your feet when you can tolerate pain. This early mobilization goes a long way to cut down the risk. We start you on blood thinning agents ( anti-coagulants) 6 hours after surgery. I also use pneumatic compression stockings and a mechanical foot pump in high risk cases.

Q. If I have to travel by air, will the metal set off a metal detector alarm at the airport?

A. Yes it usually does. However you can ask your doctor to document this during discharge from hospital.

Q. How long will I have to use crutches or walking aids?

A. This depends upon your ability and confidence to walk. Many people have discarded them within a week. Most people can manage without one by two to three weeks. Occasionally you may be asked to keep them for about six weeks.

Q. Will I be able to sleep on both sides?

A. You can sleep on both sides depending on your comfort level. Initially the operated side is sore for a few weeks.

Q. How long will my implant survive?

A. On the basis of present evidence hip resurfacing implants have a 95% chance of survival at 10 years. Despite the short follow up in comparison to total hip replacement, early results are good. Long term studies are awaited in the future.

Q. Post operative antibiotics.

A. When ever you need to have a dental, urological or gastrointestinal surgical procedure, you need to get antibiotic coverage to protect the prosthesis from infection.

Q. What about the risk of metal ions in my body?

A. Although metal ion levels are raised, there are yet no studies implicating these levels to any illness. These could cross the placental barrier and hence MOM hip replacements are not advocated for women in child bearing age. Also patients with renal disease should look to alternative materials for hip replacement like ceramic.

To get a free quote for hip resurfacing & replacement contact us or refer to the international patients section here.