New Hip Surgery Designed Fo...

Link  http://cbs4denver.com/local/Colorado.News.Denver.2.556499.html

By Kathy Walsh
 Feb 15, 2007

DENVER (CBS4) ― Doctors at Presbyterian Saint Luke's Hospital have started offering a new type of hip surgery aimed to help baby boomers who are having pain in their hips earlier than normal. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last May.

The new surgery is an alternative to total hip replacement and aimed at people under the age of 60.

"It is something that patients have actually been waiting to have done," said Dr. Cindy Kelly at Presbyterian Saint Luke's.

One operation CBS4 witnessed took 2 hours as Kelly prepares the hip socket, then hammered a new metal one into place. Kelly shaved the damaged bone on the hip ball, preserving it rather than removing it. She then glued and pounded in a new metal cover.

"Patients have full motion, really without the risk of dislocation," said Kelly.

The new procedure allows for more activity. Patients could be up and moving in 6 weeks, but need to wait a year before running.

One benefit is that if a patient needs another hip replacement, the thigh bone is largely intact.

The new resurfacing procedure may not be for everyone. Patients should always consult their own doctor.