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Hip resurfacing: An alternative to standard hip replacementRead one patient's success story
“I was excited about hip resurfacing then, but even more so now because we can finally offer it to our own patients,” says Dr. Wallskog, who practices at the Aurora Health Centers in Hartford and West Bend. Hip resurfacing is a new type of hip replacement that involves far less bone removal than traditional surgery, explains Dr. Wallskog. The procedure was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following the completion of clinical trials such as the one he was involved in five years ago. “I saw back then how well patients did after resurfacing,” says Dr. Wallskog. “The bone-conserving technique is ideal for people who are physically active and younger than 60.” According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic 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. Wallskog offers the newly approved hip resurfacing procedure at the Aurora Medical Center in Hartford. Like all of his joint replacement surgeries, his standard approach is minimally invasive, involving a smaller incision resulting in less pain and quicker recovery. “I do a lot of total hip replacements and will continue doing them,” notes Dr. Wallskog. “It is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine. The only problem with it is that the artificial replacement parts can wear out depending on their workload and may need a revision or ‘re-do' after about 10 years to 20 years. That's not an issue for most patients because their average age is 65 when they first have the surgery. Many of them have a relatively inactive lifestyle so the new joint may last even longer. “Hip resurfacing, on the other hand, is a wonderful new option for younger, active patients because it leaves more of the natural bone in place,” he explains. “If and when they need 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,” he cautions, “but for the right candidate, it can be a great solution to restoring an active lifestyle.” For an appointment with Dr. Wallskog, call the Aurora Health Center in Hartford at 262-670-4000, or the Aurora Health Center in West Bend at 262-338-1123. In Milwaukee, call 414-384-6700. |
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Orthopedic
surgeon 