Hip Resurfacing vs Total Hi...

March 11, 2008

Both total hip replacement or total hip arthroplasty (THA), and hip resurfacing procedures continue to spark a lively ongoing discussion among orthopedic surgeons. Some are calling hip resurfacing a more effective alternative, while others are saying complications associated with resurfacing far outweigh its effectiveness.

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

"Hip resurfacing is not new to orthopedics it has been around for more than 10 years now," said William Maloney, MD, professor of surgery and chair of the Department of Orthopedic 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 because orthopedic 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

Maloney moderated a frank and fact filled discussion on the merits of both procedures at a media briefing entitled: "Getting Hip to Hip Surgery: Resurfacing and Replacement," last week at the 75th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The panel of presenters included: Paul Beaule, MD, Robert Trousdale, MD, Paul Lachiewicz, MD, and Tom Schmalzried, MD.