The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing technique was developed as a viable and effective alternative to total hip replacement.
Usually, the best candidates for this procedure, which is bone-conserving, are young active male patients who struggle with hip pain caused by non-inflammatory arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, or inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of it is that the implant conserves significantly more bone than a total hip replacement. Because it preserves the natural femoral neck and most of the natural femoral head, a well-placed implant lowers concerns about leg length discrepancy following surgery.
A Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgery relieves hip pain and improves hip function by replacing parts of the damaged hip. Once the patient is asleep after having received general anesthesia, the orthopedic surgeon will only remove several centimeters of bone around the femoral head and shape it to fit tightly inside the special implant.
They will also prepare the acetabulum – the deep, cup-shaped structure that surrounds the head of the femur at the hip joint – for the metal cup that will form the ball-and-socket joint socket. Finally, the femoral component is cemented over the top of the femoral head just like a tooth cap, and the acetabular component is locked into place like a typical hip replacement component.
Unfortunately, the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing technique will most likely not be suitable for the following categories of patients:
It will take at least 6 weeks after undergoing a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgery to recover to the point of performing daily activities without pain and discomfort. The orthopedic surgeon will likely suggest physical therapy to the patient so that they can regain hip strength, range of motion, and functioning.