6/21/2006 - Dr. James Kudrna with Evanston Northwestern Healthcare is the first surgeon in Illinois now trained in this remarkable new hip resurfacing system. Rather than replacing the entire hip joint, as in a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing simply shaves and caps a few centimeters of bone within the joint.
"This is a hip for young, active patients. I am seeing more and more patients in my office younger than 50 years old. This is ideal for many of them because it allows for optimal range of motion and excellent stability. Most patients are able to continue an active lifestyle including running, biking and even skiing," explains Dr. Kudrna.
The bone-conserving approach of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System preserves more of the patient’s natural bone structure and provides excellent stability and hip mobility. The procedure maintains bone by simply recapping the prepared femoral head rather than removing the entire head. This approach reduces the post-operative risks of dislocation and inaccurate leg length, and because the all-metal implant is made from tough, smooth cobalt chrome, it has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants.
The system is considered an ideal solution for many young, active patients who suffer from hip pain. As patients are getting younger and younger, and are staying physically active much later in life, this alternative to total hip replacement accommodates their age and active lifestyle.
The implant is intended for patients suffering from hip pain due to osteoarthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis, and for whom total hip replacement may not be appropriate due to their increased level of physical activity. For this reason, Dr. Kudrna feels it is ideal for patients under age 60 who live non-sedentary lifestyles.
While the implant closely matches the size of a patient’s natural femoral head (hip ball), it is substantially larger than the femoral head of a traditional total hip replacement implant. This increased size translates to greater stability in the new joint, and it decreases the chance of dislocation of the implant after surgery. Dislocation is a leading cause of implant failure after total hip replacement.
Total hip replacement involves the removal of the entire femoral head and neck. This resurfacing system, however, leaves the head and neck untouched. It is this neck length and angle that determines the natural length of a patient’s leg after surgery, and since it is not removed and replaced with an artificial device during the resurfacing procedure, there is a greater likelihood of maintaining accurate leg length.
The implant is an all-metal ball and socket joint. Traditional hip replacements use a metal ball and a plastic socket. This plastic socket wears down over time, and may need to be replaced surgically. In fact, it is a leading cause of follow-up surgeries. With the hip resurfacing system follow-up surgeries are rarely needed.
The Hip Resurfacing System is the only one of its’ kind approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at this time. Currently, over 400,000 hip replacement procedures are performed annually in the United States. The new hip resurfacing procedure will be indicated in some 15 to 20% of these patients. This new technological advancement will potentially provide pain relief and excellent function for younger patients for many of their active years.
For more information call 847.570.5020.