Hip Resurfacing
Dr. Anthony Longo is specially trained in the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System. He trained with Dr. Michael Grecula at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas and has been practicing this surgery and other orthopedic surgical services at Kittitas Valley Orthopedics since 2007.
Providing high quality healthcare to his patients includes examining all available options when facing hip replacement surgery. Often, hip resurfacing is a better option than hip replacement.
What is hip resurfacing?
Hip resurfacing is an advanced surgical procedure that resurfaces rather than replaces the end of the femur (thigh bone). Much like a hip replacement, a metal prosthetic is fitted into the hip socket. The difference between a replacement and a resurfacing is that with resurfacing the femoral head is not removed but instead reshaped. This reshaping is then capped with another metal prosthetic that fits into the hip socket.
How long has this procedure been available?
Hip resurfacing was available in the 1960s, but the materials used were not as advanced as they are today. In the 90s materials were revised and in 1997 they were approved for use in many European countries and Australia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved this same implant in May 2006.
The right candidate for hip resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is usually considered when a patient is too young to have a traditional hip replacement. If the patient chooses to have a hip replacement at an early age, it is possible that it will wear out within his or her lifetime and need to be replaced. Hip resurfacing, however, allows the patient the ability to live a more active lifestyle while preserving bone.
But, hip resurfacing is not for everyone. For example, a patient with osteoporosis may not be a good candidate. Your primary care physician will help you determine if you are a proper candidate for hip resurfacing and they can also explain the referral process for obtaining an orthopedic surgeon.
If you are considering a hip surgery, please talk to your physician about the hip resurfacing alternative or call Kittitas Valley Orthopedics office at 509-933-8700 for more information.
