Hip replacement surgery vs Hip resurfacing surgery - What should you choose?

Hip replacement surgery is a common joint replacement procedure. It is conducted when people have arthritis and it worsens over time. Lately a new surgical method has also come in called hip resurfacing, which is also an alternative to hip replacement surgery.

The best orthopedic doctors in Delhi, will sit down and explain to you all the varied procedures available to treat your condition. So how do you make the right decision?

Listing down few points about each procedure. Let’s begin with a little explanation of what each procedure is.

Hip Replacement Surgery is a technique where-in the damaged joints are replaced artificial implants called prosthesis, made of metal alloy or, in some cases, ceramic. This surgery is conducted mostly for those who are 60-80 years of age. Main reason for this surgery is when someone suffers from arthritis, hip fracture or spondylitis. As mentioned by orthopedician in the best hospitals in Delhi, this technique involves the surgeon removing the bone’s femoral head completely and also replaces the socket of the hipbone.

Hip Resurfacing is a procedure where-in the doctor surgically replaces the painful hip joint’s ball and socket. The surgeon makes an incision to access your hipbone and thighbone. A cap is attached to the femoral head with a smooth metal covering, while the damaged bone with the hip socket is removed and replaced with another smooth metal shell.

Advantages of Hip Replacement Surgery:

•  The main reason people choose this procedure is because it eliminates the excruciating pain due to arthritis and one can get back to regular activities soon.
•  It reduces the risk of other chronic illnesses such as heart diseases, depression, diabetes, etc
•  It causes less damge to the major muscles
• Decreased risk of hip dislocation – many fear that the replaced joints are subject to dislocation after surgery. But the risks are very low in the case of hip replacement surgery, as mentioned by the best orthopedic doctors in Delhi.
• Faster recovery

Disadvantages of Hip Replacement Surgery:

• Obese People aren’t suited for a hip replacement surgery because excess tissue makes it difficult for the surgeon to reach the hip joints, thus complicating the procedure.
• Potential Nerve damage – Since there are several femoral nerve, it can get tricky and could damage the nerve, causing numbness in the thigh, though there is a very small percentage (1%) of this risk. Your doctor from the orthopedic hospital in Delhi will help guide you through the details and right procedure for your condition.
• Hip Replacement Surgery is a big no for those suffering from any muscle weakening diseases.

Advantages of Hip Resurfacing:

• It preserves the thigh bone, thus making such medical procedure less tricky
• Reduced risk of dislocation (where the joint’s ball withdraws from the socket)
• Better pressure distribution to the top most part of the femur
• Better and stronger procedure for continuing activities such as sports, running, skiing and so forth.
• May last longer in more younger patients

Disadvantages of Hip Resurfacing:

• Currently only metal materials are used for the cap and this isn’t comfortable to many
• The metal-on-metal bearing sometimes releases metal ions into the blood stream, which can have other side effects.
• For older women, there is a 1-2% risk of femoral neck fracture.

For more detailed insights into both the procedure and its results, one must visit specialist hospitals such as Artemis Hospitals, one the best hospitals in Delhi for the right advice.

Image Reference: regenexx.com, indiamart.com, orthop.washington.edu, verywellhealth.com