Advancements -
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing
> Birmingham Hip Resurfacing: preserving bone and joint stability for patients.
> Who is the typical candidate?
> How does a hip joint work?
> What is the BHR procedure?
> What are the benefits?
> What are the risks?
> Where can it be performed?
> How can I obtain more information?
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing: preserving bone and joint stability for patients.
In 2006, Birmingham Hip Resurfacing was performed for the first time in our region at Jewish Hospital. The procedure preserves bone and joint stability.
Rather than replacing the entire hip joint, as in conventional total hip replacement, Birmingham Hip Resurfacing simply shaves and caps a few centimeters of bone within the joint. The joint’s surfaces are then covered with an all-metal implant that more closely resembles a tooth cap than a hip implant. The procedure received FDA approval in May 2006. The procedure was developed in Birmingham, England and has been implanted in more than 60,000 patients in 26 countries.
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing has many benefits for patients. This bone-conserving approach preserves more of the patient’s natural bone structures and stability and reduces the post-operative risks of dislocation and inaccurate leg length. Because the all-metal implant is made from tough, smooth cobalt chrome, it has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants.
Brady Brown, Birmingham Hip Resurfacing patient, returned to cycling after his surgery.
Fairfield resident Brady Brown was an avid cyclist until 1996, when a cycling accident left him in pain. The pain became debilitating, limiting his ability to perform day-to-day activities and tasks at work. He learned of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing in 2000 and put off traditional hip replacement surgery until BHR received FDA approval in the United States. His research led him to The Jewish Hospital’s Joint Replacement Center.
“Everything I have learned about Birmingham says that this was absolutely the best option for me,” said Brown. “After the surgery, I returned to full mobility, hiking, backpacking and cycling.”
Who is the typical candidate?
The BHR System considers the typical candidate to be adults under the age of 60 who may not be best suited for total hip replacement due to an increased level of physical activity. Active adults over age 60 may be candidates, depending on their bone quality.
How does a hip joint work?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In a healthy hip, the ball-end of the femur swivels smoothly in the socket of the pelvis (also called the acetabulum).
But in an unhealthy hip, the femur and acetabulum may become rough and worn. The bones of the joint rub together causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
What is the BHR procedure?
The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System is a surgical procedure, which shields the joint by covering the ball and socket with smooth, durable high carbide cobalt chrome. For young and physically active patients, this procedure can be a bone-conserving alternative to total hip replacement surgery.
What are the benefits?
The key benefits include improved femoral head size, advanced bearing surface and substantial bone conservation. The implant is closely matched to the size of the patient’s natural femoral head, which means a reduced chance of dislocation after surgery. The implant allows for metal-on-metal contact only, which reduces joint wear by 97% compared to metal on plastic total hips. Also, the procedure preserves the natural femoral neck, providing more bone conservation than total hip replacement surgery.
What are the risks?
Risks with the BHR procedure include Thromboembolism, Infection and Pneumonia. Risks have been minimal and an international study indicated that of 1626 BHR implants, 99.5% of patients were “pleased” or “extremely pleased” with the results of the surgery.
Where can it be performed?
At this time The Jewish Hospital in Kenwood is the only hospital in the Greater Cincinnati area offer the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Surgery.
How can I obtain more information?
For more information, please contact the Jewish Hospital Joint Replacement Center at 513-686-4040.
Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if this surgery option is right for you.
