Hip Resurfacing Not the Best Option for Every Arthritis Patient

Hip resurfacing is an alternative surgical procedure to total hip replacement. Study results suggest though that hip resurfacing is not the best option for every arthritis patient. Following a review of 537 surgeries performed in the United States, researchers from Rush University Medical Center concluded that age and gender contribute to the success of hip resurfacing.

According to study results that will be published in the January 2009 issue of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, most of the serious complications associated with the hip resurfacing procedures occurred in women (of all ages) and men over 55 years old. Serious complications occurred in 32 of the 537 cases -- including 10 femoral neck fractures that occurred after surgery.

The best candidates for hip resurfacing are males under age 55. Generally, for older patients, conventional hip replacement surgery is still considered the better choice. There are definite benefits and risks associated with both procedures. If you need hip surgery, your doctor will explain which procedure is best for you.

Related Resources:

• Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System
• What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?
• Hip Osteoarthritis - Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment
• Total Hip Replacement - What You Need to Know
• Joint Replacement Screening Quiz - Is It Time?

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