Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty in India
Bone-preserving hip surgery that caps the femoral head instead of removing it, ideal for young, active patients
Overview
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
General or spinal anesthesia is administered along with prophylactic antibiotics
A 4-6 inch surgical incision is made using posterior or anterolateral approach to access the hip joint
Hip joint is dislocated and the femoral head is carefully exposed while preserving surrounding soft tissues
Damaged cartilage and diseased bone are removed from the femoral head using specialized reaming tools
The femoral head is precisely shaped using graduated cylindrical reamers to match the metal cap
The acetabulum (hip socket) is prepared by removing damaged cartilage and reaming to appropriate size
A hemispherical metal acetabular cup (typically cobalt-chrome) is press-fitted into the prepared socket
The metal femoral cap is cemented onto the prepared femoral head with bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate)
The hip is reduced (put back together) and tested for stability, range of motion, and proper component alignment
Wound is thoroughly irrigated, soft tissues are repaired, and the incision is closed in layers with sutures
Sterile dressing is applied and patient is transferred to recovery room for monitoring
Recovery Timeline
What to expect during your recovery journey
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Q2.Am I a good candidate for hip resurfacing?
Q3.Can I return to sports and high-impact activities after hip resurfacing?
Q4.What are metal ions and why do they need to be monitored?
Q5.How much does hip resurfacing cost in Patna, Bihar?
Q6.How long do hip resurfacing implants last?
Q7.Is hip resurfacing more difficult to recover from than total hip replacement?
Q8.Why is hip resurfacing not commonly recommended for women?
Q9.What happens if my hip resurfacing needs revision in the future?
Q10.Are hip resurfacing implants available in Bihar? Does Dr. Kumar have experience with this procedure?
Related Procedures
Total Hip Replacement in India
Complete replacement of damaged hip joint with artificial prosthesis
Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty) in India
Surgical procedure replacing only the femoral head (ball) of the hip joint, preserving the natural socket
Hip Revision Surgery in India
Complex surgical procedure to replace or repair a failed total hip replacement with new components
Hip Arthroscopy Surgery in India
Minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat hip joint problems
Considering This Surgery?
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