Do You Need a Hip Replacement or Hip Resurfacing

Do you know the difference between a hip resurfacing procedure and a partial or total hip replacement? If you don't, you'd better find out, especially if your orthopedic doctor suggests one over the other. Take charge of your joint health and care, and be informed so you can make educated and rational decisions about your surgical procedure and your future health and mobility.

Basics First

First, know the difference between a hip replacement and a hip resurfacing procedure. In a nutshell, a hip resurfacing procedure replaces or removes only the surface of the hip joint, promoting faster healing and recuperation. For most individuals, hip resurfacing involves the head of the femur, or thighbone. Special surgical instruments scrape and shape the bone of the femoral head of the thighbone so that a new metal surface may be fitted on top of the bone.

A partial hip replacement might involve resurfacing of the hip socket. A partial hip replacement or resurfacing is commonly recommended for younger and more active patients. The process involves the reshaping of the head of the femur, or the ball end of the upper leg so it fits more securely into the hip socket. A metal cap or plastic cover is placed over the ball end of the joint and realigned within the hip socket. In some cases, a thin metal receptacle may also be inserted into the socket portion of the hip for a more stable fit.

Total hip replacement procedures involve the insertion of a metal prosthetic ball that replaces a damaged or weakened ball portion of the upper thighbone at the hip socket. A prosthetic socket may also be inserted into the hip socket itself for additional strength and stability.

Which is For You?

If you're facing a hip procedure, it's good to know which are most commonly performed based on your age and activity level. For example, hip resurfacing is most often performed on younger or younger, relatively active middle-aged individuals under 55 years of age, most of whom have been diagnosed with arthritis. Shaving off a few millimeters of bone to restore worn-out surfaces may be all you need to restore mobility.

Joint replacement procedures are most often performed on older or elderly individuals who have a more sedentary lifestyle, as the joint replacement may help restore function and mobility, but is not designed to deal with the brunt of high-impact sports or activities.

Benefits of Hip Resurfacing or Hip Replacement

Restoration of range of motion and reduction of pain caused by bones rubbing against each other, are two important benefits of hip resurfacing procedures. Stabilization of the hip joint is a benefit of a partial or total hip replacement, bringing with it increased function and range of motion. Increased mobility, reduction of pain and greater independence are benefits of a total hip replacement. Enhanced quality of life and pain relief are the main goals of any orthopedic hip surgical procedure.

Traveling Abroad for Hip Joint Procedures

Costs of healthcare and surgery continue to skyrocket in the U.S., and around the world. However, affordable joint replacement procedures are still available around the world, and from highly respected facilities and surgeons around the world.

One of those locations and surgeons is the Madras Joint Replacement Center located in Chennai, India. Run by world-renowned and respected orthopedic surgeon Dr. A.K. Venkatachalam, the Madras Joint Replacement Center treats a number of hip issues caused by arthritis, fractures, traumatic injury, disease and osteoporosis among others. As a board-certified, highly trained and experienced orthopedic surgeon in Chennai, Dr. Venkatachalam is a leader in his field of joint replacement surgeries throughout the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Asia.

For more information regarding Dr. Venkatachalam, his qualifications and credential as well as the Madras Joint Replacement Center, visit PlacidWay.com, an international medical provider and resource for reliable information regarding multiple medical fields, surgeries, procedures, facilities and doctors abroad.

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