HIP RESURFACING FAQs

Is this a minimally invasive surgery?
This operation can be done by a minimally invasive approach and the invasion can be kept to less than 10cms. The operation also
involves minimal damage to bone.

Is BHR a painful operation?
No. Pain control techniques and minimal injury to soft tissue and bone during surgery help to keep the patients comfortable in the post operative period.

Do I need blood transfusion during the surgery?
Blood tranfusion is generally not needed during the operation.

When are stitches from the operation removed?
The procedure uses absorbable sutures. Hence, these do not need removal.

What is Bilateral Hip Resurfacing?
Bilateral Hip Resurfacing is a hip resurfacing of both sides simultaneously.

How long do I have to stay in hospital?
Overseas patients are discharged 8-10 days after surgery.

When can I start walking and climbing stairs after the operation?
Most patients start walking with support on the second postoperative day after removal of the drain. Physiotherapists at our partner hospitals take you through a standardized protocol of mobilization. The patient is able to climb stairs before discharge.

Do I need lots of physiotherapy after surgery?
The amount of physiotherapy needed depends on the condition of your joint and muscles before the operation. Most patients do not need much suppressed physiotherapy.

Will I be able to sit on the floor after surgery?
Yes, this surgery will allow you to do that safely unless another problem prevents it.

Are there any implants used?
Modern techniques allow for replacing the diseased human hip with artificial implants which ensure near normal movements and function. Huge advances have been made in terms of the materials, the method of fixation and structure of these implants. The purpose of all these changes is to increase the longevity, reduce complication rate and improved function after hip resurfacing surgery. Hip Resurfacing (bone conserving hip replacement (BHR), surface replacement ) with a metal-on-metal articulation is another step in this direction.

What are ASR and BHR?
Hip resurfacing or surface replacement arthroplasty uses specialized implants that are fixed into the bone. Two international companies sell such implants at present.
1.  Smith and Nephew (MMT) (BHR) Birmingham Hip Resurfacing.
2.  Johnson and Johnson (ASR) Articular Surface Replacement.

What is the advantage of Hip Resurfacing over conventional total hip replacement?
Conventional Total Hip Replacements usually consist of a long metal component that is fixed into the femur (thigh bone) articulating with a polyethylene cup cemented into the pelvis. Conventional hip replacements sacrifice a large quantity of normal bone. The very
nature of fixation of these implants causes progressive bone loss due to stress shielding. The problem of bone loss gets compounded by osteolysis due to polyethylene debris from the cup. All these reduce the bone stock and make any future revision procedures difficult. The polyethylene cups gradually thin down due to wear and need replacing. The head of the femoral component is small in diameter, so as to reduce friction at the cost of stability. This increases the risk of hip dislocation i.e. hip coming out of joint.
Read the differences between Hip Resurfacing Surgery and Total Hip Replacement.