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Getting Hip to Hip Surgery
7 April 2008
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Both total hip replacement and hip resurfacing procedures continue to spark a lively ongoing discussion amongst orthopaedic surgeons. Some are calling hip resurfacing a more effective alternative to total hip replacement, while others are saying complications associated with resurfacing far outweigh its effectiveness.
Total hip replacement involves an orthopaedic surgeon removing the head (or ball) and neck of the femur (thighbone) and replacing them with a metal implant. The resurfacing procedure reshapes the head of the thighbone and covers it with a metal and plastic implant, sparing part of the bone.
"Hip resurfacing is not new to orthopaedics. It has been around for more than 10 years now," said William Maloney, MD, professor of surgery and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford, University. "We are now starting to acquire experience and measurable data associated with the procedure and its outcomes. One reason for this discussion is that orthopaedic surgeons are dealing with more direct-to-consumer advertising today when it comes to resurfacing. Patients are coming into our offices and asking for the procedure without really understanding what is involved or even if they are a suitable candidate."
Those who perform hip resurfacing procedures say:
- It is a less invasive surgery with a shorter hospital stay and recovery time
- Patients experience a better range of motion after surgery
- Patients experience a longer implant life
Those who perform total hip replacement say:
- It is no more invasive than resurfacing
- Healing time is much the same as for resurfacing patients
- More of the patient population stands to benefit from total hip replacement
Dr. Maloney will moderate a frank and fact-filled discussion on the merits of both procedures at a media briefing entitled: "Getting Hip to Hip Surgery: Resurfacing and Replacement," on Thursday, Mar. 6, 2008, at the 75th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in the Moscone Convention Center, South Mezzanine, at 9:15 a.m., in Room 224.
The panel of presenters will include Paul Beaulé, MD, Robert Trousdale, MD, Paul Lachiewicz, MD, and Tom Schmalzried, MD. These orthopaedic surgeons will discuss the newest technology in total hip arthroplasty, pitfalls and misconceptions when it comes to resurfacing and the changing hip replacement patient.
"We will also discuss if new technologies are really worth pursuing in the long run," Maloney said. "Total hip and knee replacements together are Medicare's biggest expense. At the end of the day, we are all paying for these procedures. Our biggest priorities are to continue offering the best benefits and outcomes to all our patients, no matter what procedure they undergo."
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