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Hip resurfacing: an alternative to standard hip replacementOrthopedic surgeon Ilan Shapiro, MD, is offering young, active people suffering from chronic hip pain due to arthritis an option. The option is an alternative to total hip replacement called hip resurfacing. Hip resurfacing is a new type of hip replacement that involves far less bone removal than traditional surgery. The procedure was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following the completion of clinical trials five years ago. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 193,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the U.S. The goals of surgery include increased mobility, improved function of the hip joint and pain relief. During traditional total hip replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the side of the hip through the muscles and removes the diseased bone tissue and cartilage from the hip joint while leaving the healthy parts of the joint intact. Then the surgeon replaces the head of the femur (thigh bone) and acetabulum (hip socket) with new, artificial parts. During hip resurfacing, a modified version of total hip replacement with the same goals, the femoral head is not removed. Instead, the damaged surface is reshaped and capped with a durable metal shield, and the corresponding hip socket is resurfaced with a thin metal lining. The resulting metal on metal surfaces of the joint allow for a smooth gliding motion--welcome relief from the painful bone on bone grinding endured by patients prior to surgery. Dr. Shapiro offers the hip resurfacing procedure at the Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. Like all of his joint replacement surgeries, his standard approach is minimally invasive, involving a smaller incision resulting in less pain and faster recovery. Hip resurfacing is a wonderful new option for younger, active patients because it leaves more of the natural bone in place. If and when the patient needs a total hip replacement in the future, it will be like having a first time joint replacement, rather than a revision, which can be a more difficult operation. The new procedure isn't for everyone but for the right candidate, it can be a great solution to restoring an active lifestyle. For an appointment with Dr. Shapiro, call the 920-303-8700. |
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