Hip Resurfacing Surgery: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Before the treatment, you should talk to your hip resurfacing surgeon to set realistic expectations out of the procedure. Well before the day of the surgery, the doctor would conduct a complete physical examination to confirm that you do not have a condition that may interfere with the success of the surgery.

How to Prepare for Hip Resurfacing Surgery

Additionally, you will be required to undergo a few examinations such as X-ray and blood tests. You will be advised to stop all medications at least a week before the surgery. You should inform your surgeon if you are taking medications for the treatment or control of a specific condition such as diabetes or hypertension.

You should stop smoking well in advance and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle for weeks before the surgery. In case you are overweight, losing some weight before the surgery helps improve the chances of successful outcomes because of less stress on the new joint.

• Hip resurfacing surgery takes around two to three hours to complete. First, a general or a spinal anaesthesia is administered. The surgical site is then cleaned with an antiseptic liquid.
• The surgeon makes an incision in the thigh to reach the hip joint. The femoral head is dislocated from the joint and then trimmed with the help of specialized instruments. After the femoral head is trimmed, the metal cap is inserted on to the femoral head. A special instrument called reamer is used to remove the cartilage lining the socket and a metal cup is fixed.
• After fixing the metal cup, femoral head (metal head) is relocated into the joint. The incision is then closed and the patient is closely monitored until he or she is recovering from anaesthesia.

1. Hip resurfacing recovery rate varies from one patient to another. Typically, a patient is required to stay in the hospital for at least three to seven days. The hospital stay depends on the extent of pain that the patient experiences and the overall general health.
2. Intravenous fluids and pain medications are administered to the patient during hospitalization days. A physical therapist guides the patient about the exercises that he or she must perform every day for quick healing and recovery.
3. Sitting and walking is usually permitted by the physician, depending on the condition of the patient. The patient is required to walk with the help of crutches for at least two weeks after discharge. To keep hip resurfacing recovery under check, the patient must see the physician as per the follow-up schedule.
4. The combined movement of bending of the hip and turning of the foot should be avoided as it may cause dislocation of the joint. A pillow should be placed between the legs while sleeping for at least four weeks after the surgery and crossing of the legs should be completely avoided.
5. Elevated toilet seats should be used to reduce the discomfort. The wound should be kept clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Excess drainage, redness, swelling, and fever should be reported immediately to the physician.

Pros

• Decreased bone damage and osteolysis (erosion of bone)
• Decreased chances of bone dislocation as the size of the metal ball is nearly equal to the size of the natural femoral head
• Revision surgery or exchange of implant is easier as less bone is removed
• The walking pattern of the patient after surgery seems natural when compared with the walking pattern of the patient who undergoes total hip replacement surgery
• The activity level after resurfacing is higher as compared to total hip replacement surgery

Cons                                       

• Risk of femoral neck fracture
• Loosening of the metal implants
• Risk of pain and swelling due to allergic reaction to metal ions

Hip Resurfacing Complications

• Infection: The infection can be prevented by keeping the wound clean and dry.
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis): Deep vein thrombosis can be prevented by performing physical exercises recommended by the physiotherapist.
• Fractures: The risk of a fracture can be prevented by avoiding careless movement causing falls.

Cost of Hip Resurfacing in India

Hip resurfacing surgery cost varies from one part of the world to the other. Additionally, it also varies depending on the type of hospital and the city that you choose to get operated in.

Nonetheless, the hip resurfacing surgery cost in India is much less than any other country in the world. It is estimated that the cost of hip resurfacing in India is less than two-thirds of what it costs in other popular medical tourism destinations.

The cost of hip resurfacing depends on several factors. It depends on the choice of hospital, the choice of city, the extent of damage to the hip the number of hip resurfacing surgeons involved, and the approach used to conduct the surgery (open or minimally invasive).