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Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty in India

Bone-preserving hip surgery that caps the femoral head instead of removing it, ideal for young, active patients

Overview

Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty is an advanced bone-conserving alternative to total hip replacement that is specifically designed for younger, more active patients with hip arthritis or hip damage. Unlike traditional total hip replacement where the entire femoral head is removed, hip resurfacing preserves most of the femoral head bone by capping it with a smooth metal covering. This bone-preserving approach offers significant advantages for patients who want to maintain an active lifestyle and potentially need future revision surgeries. At Arthroscenter in Patna, Bihar, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has established himself as a pioneer in hip resurfacing surgery, having successfully performed over 300 hip resurfacing procedures using the advanced Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) system and other modern metal-on-metal bearing surfaces. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with computer-assisted navigation systems, high-precision surgical instruments, and advanced imaging technology to ensure accurate component positioning and optimal long-term outcomes for every patient. Hip resurfacing is particularly beneficial for young, active patients under 60 years of age with good bone quality who wish to return to high-impact activities, sports, and physically demanding work. The procedure is especially popular among young farmers, athletes, manual laborers, and active professionals in Bihar who cannot afford the activity restrictions that come with traditional hip replacement. The larger femoral head size used in hip resurfacing (typically 40-56mm compared to 28-36mm in total hip replacement) provides superior stability, more natural hip mechanics, greater range of motion, and significantly lower dislocation risk. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing system, which Dr. Kumar specializes in, uses a metal-on-metal bearing surface with a cobalt-chrome femoral cap that covers the prepared femoral head and a matching metal acetabular cup. This design preserves the natural femoral bone stock, maintains normal hip biomechanics, allows for easier revision to total hip replacement if ever needed in the future, and enables patients to return to activities that would be restricted after conventional hip replacement including running, jumping, and high-impact sports. During the procedure, the damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone are removed from the femoral head, and the head is reshaped to fit a smooth metal cap. The hip socket (acetabulum) is also prepared and fitted with a metal cup. When these two metal surfaces articulate, they create a smooth, low-friction joint that can withstand high activity levels. The surgery typically takes 1.5-2 hours and is performed through a posterior or anterolateral approach using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Bihar has a large population of young, active agricultural workers, manual laborers, and athletes who develop early hip arthritis due to heavy physical work, sports injuries, or conditions like avascular necrosis. For these patients, hip resurfacing offers the possibility of returning to their demanding physical activities without the long-term restrictions associated with traditional hip replacement. Dr. Gurudeo Kumar's extensive experience with hip resurfacing in the Bihar population has led to exceptional outcomes with over 95% of patients returning to their pre-surgery activity levels. However, hip resurfacing is not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates are young men (typically under 60) with good bone quality, adequate femoral head size, and no significant bone cysts or osteoporosis. The procedure is generally not recommended for women of childbearing age due to concerns about metal ion release, patients with osteoporosis or poor bone quality, those with renal disease, patients with metal allergies, or individuals with very small femoral heads or significant bone defects. Dr. Kumar conducts thorough pre-operative evaluations including specialized imaging, bone density scans, and blood tests to determine the best surgical option for each patient. One important consideration with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing is the need for periodic monitoring of blood metal ion levels, particularly cobalt and chromium. While modern hip resurfacing implants have excellent safety records, patients require annual blood tests and periodic imaging to monitor implant function and detect any potential complications early. At Arthroscenter, we provide comprehensive long-term follow-up care including metal ion monitoring, imaging surveillance, and clinical assessments to ensure the continued success of the procedure. The recovery from hip resurfacing is often faster than traditional hip replacement because less bone is removed and hip biomechanics are better preserved. Most patients can bear weight immediately after surgery with walking aids, transition to a cane within 2-4 weeks, and return to light activities within 6-8 weeks. With proper rehabilitation, most patients return to high-impact activities and sports within 4-6 months. The success rate exceeds 95% at 15 years, and many patients enjoy 20+ years of excellent function from their hip resurfacing. At Arthoscenter, we accept all major insurance plans including PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) and BSKY (Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana) schemes which cover hip resurfacing surgery for eligible patients. For uninsured patients, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options. Our comprehensive care includes pre-operative education, advanced surgical techniques, personalized rehabilitation programs, long-term metal ion monitoring, and lifetime follow-up support to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient choosing hip resurfacing.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Severe hip pain that limits daily activities and quality of life

Hip pain that worsens with high-impact activities like running or jumping

Persistent groin pain radiating to the thigh or buttocks

Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes

Progressive loss of hip range of motion and flexibility

Difficulty with activities requiring hip flexion (climbing stairs, getting in/out of cars)

Limping or altered gait pattern affecting mobility

Hip pain disrupting sleep and rest

Failed conservative treatments including medications, injections, and physical therapy

Advanced hip arthritis or avascular necrosis confirmed on imaging studies

Procedure Details

Duration

1.5-2 hours

Anesthesia

General or Spinal Anesthesia with nerve blocks for enhanced pain control

Preparation for Surgery

Comprehensive pre-operative assessment including detailed hip X-rays, CT or MRI scans to evaluate femoral head size and bone quality, bone density (DEXA) scan to rule out osteoporosis, blood tests including metal ion baseline levels, renal function tests, cardiac evaluation with ECG and echocardiogram if needed. Patient education sessions covering the procedure, expected outcomes, activity restrictions, and metal ion monitoring requirements. Arrangement for post-operative care assistance and rehabilitation support.

Surgical Steps

1

General or spinal anesthesia is administered along with prophylactic antibiotics

2

A 4-6 inch surgical incision is made using posterior or anterolateral approach to access the hip joint

3

Hip joint is dislocated and the femoral head is carefully exposed while preserving surrounding soft tissues

4

Damaged cartilage and diseased bone are removed from the femoral head using specialized reaming tools

5

The femoral head is precisely shaped using graduated cylindrical reamers to match the metal cap

6

The acetabulum (hip socket) is prepared by removing damaged cartilage and reaming to appropriate size

7

A hemispherical metal acetabular cup (typically cobalt-chrome) is press-fitted into the prepared socket

8

The metal femoral cap is cemented onto the prepared femoral head with bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate)

9

The hip is reduced (put back together) and tested for stability, range of motion, and proper component alignment

10

Wound is thoroughly irrigated, soft tissues are repaired, and the incision is closed in layers with sutures

11

Sterile dressing is applied and patient is transferred to recovery room for monitoring

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Day 1-2

Hospital Stay & Immediate Mobilization

Pain management with multimodal analgesia. Physical therapy begins on day 1 with sitting, standing, and walking with walker or crutches. Immediate weight-bearing as tolerated. Drain removal if placed. Monitoring for complications.

Week 1-2

Early Recovery Phase

Continued walking with walker or crutches, gradual increase in distance. Home physical therapy exercises focusing on hip range of motion and muscle activation. Wound care and monitoring for infection signs. Anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots.

Week 2-4

Transition to Cane

Progression from walker to single crutch or cane. Increased independence in activities of daily living. Gentle strengthening exercises. First post-operative follow-up with X-rays to assess implant position and healing.

Week 4-8

Intermediate Rehabilitation

Walking without aids for short distances. Progressive strengthening exercises including resistance training. Return to light activities like stationary cycling. Suture removal if not absorbable. Blood metal ion level testing.

Month 2-4

Advanced Strengthening

Significant improvement in strength and mobility. Return to work for sedentary jobs. Swimming and aquatic therapy. Progressive resistance training. May begin driving if comfortable.

Month 4-6

Return to High Activity

Return to sports and high-impact activities with surgeon approval. Running, jumping, and sports participation possible. Continued strengthening program. Most restrictions lifted. Regular monitoring appointments.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Take prescribed medications including pain relievers and blood thinners as directed

Weight-bearing is typically allowed immediately, but follow your surgeon's specific instructions

Hip precautions are generally less restrictive than total hip replacement, but avoid extremes of motion initially

Attend all physical therapy sessions and perform home exercises daily

Monitor wound for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, drainage, fever)

Annual blood tests to monitor cobalt and chromium metal ion levels are mandatory

Inform all healthcare providers about your metal-on-metal hip resurfacing implant

Maintain healthy body weight to reduce stress on the implant

Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking

Schedule regular follow-up appointments with imaging to monitor implant function and bone health

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.What is the difference between hip resurfacing and total hip replacement?

Hip resurfacing preserves most of the femoral head bone by capping it with a metal cover, while total hip replacement removes the entire femoral head and replaces it with a prosthetic stem and ball. Hip resurfacing preserves more bone, allows for more natural hip mechanics, and is ideal for younger, active patients. It also makes future revision surgery easier if ever needed.

Q2.Am I a good candidate for hip resurfacing?

Ideal candidates are typically men under 60 years old with good bone quality, adequate femoral head size (>45mm), no osteoporosis, and a desire to return to high-impact activities. The procedure is generally not recommended for women of childbearing age, patients with osteoporosis, renal disease, or very small femoral heads. Dr. Kumar will evaluate your specific case with imaging and tests to determine if hip resurfacing is right for you.

Q3.Can I return to sports and high-impact activities after hip resurfacing?

Yes, one of the main advantages of hip resurfacing is the ability to return to high-impact activities including running, jumping, tennis, football, and other sports. Most patients can gradually return to these activities starting 4-6 months after surgery with proper rehabilitation. This is a significant advantage over traditional hip replacement which restricts high-impact activities.

Q4.What are metal ions and why do they need to be monitored?

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing implants have cobalt and chromium surfaces that articulate together. Microscopic metal particles can be released into the bloodstream, which is why annual blood tests are required to monitor cobalt and chromium ion levels. While modern implants have excellent safety records, monitoring ensures early detection of any potential issues. Most patients have metal ion levels well within safe ranges.

Q5.How much does hip resurfacing cost in Patna, Bihar?

At Arthroscenter, hip resurfacing surgery typically costs between ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 depending on implant choice and hospital stay. We accept PMJAY and BSKY insurance schemes which cover the procedure for eligible patients. For uninsured patients, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans. The cost includes surgery, implants, hospital stay, and initial follow-up care.

Q6.How long do hip resurfacing implants last?

Modern hip resurfacing implants have excellent long-term outcomes with success rates exceeding 95% at 15 years. Many patients enjoy 20+ years of excellent function. Factors affecting longevity include patient age, activity level, body weight, bone quality, and proper component positioning. Younger patients with higher activity levels may eventually need revision to total hip replacement, but the preserved bone makes this easier.

Q7.Is hip resurfacing more difficult to recover from than total hip replacement?

No, recovery from hip resurfacing is often faster than total hip replacement because more bone is preserved and hip biomechanics are better maintained. Most patients bear weight immediately, walk with minimal assistance within days, and return to daily activities within 6-8 weeks. The larger femoral head also provides better stability with lower dislocation risk and fewer movement restrictions.

Q8.Why is hip resurfacing not commonly recommended for women?

Hip resurfacing is generally not recommended for women of childbearing age due to concerns about metal ion exposure during pregnancy and the potential effects on fetal development. Additionally, women typically have smaller femoral heads and lower bone density compared to men, which can affect implant fixation and longevity. Post-menopausal women with good bone quality may still be candidates, which Dr. Kumar evaluates on a case-by-case basis.

Q9.What happens if my hip resurfacing needs revision in the future?

One major advantage of hip resurfacing is that if revision is ever needed, it can be easily converted to a total hip replacement because the femoral bone stock has been preserved. This is much simpler than revising a total hip replacement which has already removed significant bone. The preserved bone provides better options for future surgery if ever needed, making hip resurfacing an excellent choice for younger patients.

Q10.Are hip resurfacing implants available in Bihar? Does Dr. Kumar have experience with this procedure?

Yes, Arthroscenter in Patna is equipped with advanced Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) and other modern metal-on-metal hip resurfacing systems. Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has extensive experience with over 300 successful hip resurfacing procedures and is one of the few surgeons in Bihar offering this specialized procedure. We have computer-assisted navigation, high-precision instruments, and comprehensive follow-up protocols including metal ion monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes.

Considering This Surgery?

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