Hip resurfacing Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.
Answers to questions about hip resurfacing
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- How long will the metal parts last?
- What are the advantages of having a hip resurfacing operation compared to hip replacement?
- What can I do to make my recovery easier?
How long will the metal parts last?
The metal parts attached to your hip should last for at least four years but not much is known about their reliability after this time.
Explanation
Most (nine in 10) metal on metal hip resurfacing devices last for at least four years. This is because they don't get worn down as quickly as parts containing plastic, which can also break more easily.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that the chances of needing a replacement should be less than 10 percent after 10 years.
The most common reason for a hip resurfacing device to fail is loosening of the part attached to your thigh bone. Other causes of failure include infection, fractures in the thigh bone, recurrent dislocation of the joint and rarely an allergic type of reaction.
If the metal parts attached to your hip do fail you may be able to have repeat hip resurfacing operation or a total hip replacement operation (when all the hip joint is replaced).
NICE states that not as much is known about the medium to long term safety and reliability of hip resurfacing compared with total hip replacement.
Further information
- National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)
www.nice.org.uk
Sources
- Beaule PE, Campbell P, Lu Z, Leunig-Ganz K, Beck M, Leunig M, Ganz R. Vascularity of the arthritic femoral head and hip resurfacing. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006;88:85-96. www.ejbjs.org
- Mont MA, Ragland PS, Etienne G, Seyler TM, Schmalzried TP. Hip resurfacing arthroplasty. J Am Acad Orthop Surg;14:454-463. www.jaaos.org
- Amstutz HC, Beaule PE, Dorey FJ, Le Duff MJ, Campbell PA, Gruen TA. Metal-on-metal hybrid surface arthroplasty: two to six-year follow-up study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2004; 86-A:28-39. www.ejbjs.org
- Guidance for the use of metal on metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty. National Institute for Clinical Excellence, June 2002, Technology Appraisal Guidance - No. 44. www.nice.org.uk
- Guidance on the selection of prostheses for primary total hip replacement. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2000, Technology Appraisal Guidance - No. 2. www.nice.org.uk
What are the advantages of having a hip resurfacing operation compared to hip replacement?
Hip resurfacing has a faster recovery time, greater stability and range of motion than a total hip replacement.
Explanation
Hip resurfacing has a number of advantages compared with total hip replacement:
- a reduced risk of dislocation
- an improved range of movement
- an improved function and activity level
This means that you should recover quicker and be able to do more after a hip resurfacing operation than a total hip replacement.
The other advantage is that in hip resurfacing less bone is removed, making it easier to have a total hip joint replacement in later years.
You should do gentle exercise as soon as possible during your recovery. As you recover you can start swimming and do more walking to strengthen your muscles around the joint.
You can usually do low impact sport such as golf or bowls after four months. When you have made a full recovery, you can have a more active lifestyle and may be able to play football, tennis and go skiing. When returning to any sport it's important to take your time to rebuild your strength, coordination and reflexes.
The type of activities you can do and how well you recover from the operation depends on your individual medical circumstances and general health. You should speak to your surgeon if you are unsure about which activities are suitable.
Further information
- Arthritis Research Campaign (arc)
0870 850 5000
www.arc.org.uk
Sources
- Resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip. GP notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 7 February 2008
- Amstutz HC, Beaule PE, Dorey FJ, Le Duff MJ, Campbell PA, Gruen TA. Metal-on-metal hybrid surface arthroplasty: two to six-year follow-up study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2004;86-A (1):28-39
- A new hip joint. Arthritis Research Campaign. www.arc.org.uk, accessed 11 February 2008
What can I do to make my recovery easier?
You should try to be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation and prepare your home for when you return.
Explanation
If you are having a hip resurfacing it's a good idea to try and be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation to speed up your recovery.
You should stop smoking as smoking can increase the chances of getting an infection and slows your recovery. If you are overweight your doctor may recommend a weight loss programme.
You can exercise to strengthen your upper body. This will help you to get around after the surgery when using walking aids such as crutches.
If it's possible you should try to strengthen your leg muscles. Strengthening the muscles around in your leg will speed your recovery and will make it easier to perform the postoperative exercises.
Your surgeon or physiotherapist will be able to recommend exercises for you.
It's a good idea to prepare your home for when you return from hospital. This may involve rearranging furniture to make it easier to move around and placing commonly used items at arm level so you don't have to reach for them. It's also a good idea to stock up on non-perishable food such as frozen or tinned items, so that you don't need to go shopping immediately after your surgery.
You may need someone to help you during the first week after surgery. It's a good idea to arrange to have a friend or family member stay with you for a couple of weeks after the operation.
Further information
- Arthritis Research Campaign (arc)
0870 850 5000
www.arc.org.uk
Sources
- Preparing for joint replacement surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org, accessed 6 February 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. It has also been reviewed by Arthritis Research Campaign (arc). The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2008
Hip resurfacing factsheet
Visit the hip resurfacing health factsheet for more information.
Rate this page
