Hip Resurfacing vs. Hip Replacement

Unlike a total hip replacement a hip resurfacing procedure resurfaces the joint. The worn cartilage and damaged first layer of bone are removed and a fresh, low-wearing metal surface is installed. Total hip replacements require the removal of the upper segment of bone, the hollowing out of the upper half of the leg bone, and a large spike fixed to this upper bone, replacing the top part of the femur.

For either procedure, the socket is prepared by shaving off the damaged cartilage and the first layer of bone. An appropriately sized replacement socket is pressed into the bone. For the hip resurfacing, this socket has a new low-wear metal surface and for the total hip replacement, the socket often will instead accept a liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal.

To prepare the head, or ball, of the hip for a resurfaced head, the cartilage and first layer of bone are shaved off as well. The appropriately sized head is pressed onto the prepared bone, with bone cement used to fill any gaps and holes in the bone.

For a total hip replacement, the head and neck of the leg bone are removed. A cavity is opened up in the upper portion of the leg bone to fit the stem of the THR. The stem is pressed into place and a ball is placed onto the stem. This new head is often much smaller than the patient's original head.

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Who is a Candidate for Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is intended for young, active adults who are under 60 years of age and in need of a hip replacement, or Adults over 60 who are living non-sedentary lifestyles may also be considered for this procedure. However, this can only be further determined by a review of your bone quality by your Center for Orthopaedics physician.

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Birmingham Hip Resurfacing

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Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement - Knee pain from arthritis can be particularly debilitating because we use our knees in almost all of our daily activities. If you are experiencing severe knee pain that interferes with your normal functioning, your CFO physican may recommend a partial knee replacement, also known as uni-compartmental knee replacement.

This procedure is much less invasive than total knee replacement and may give relief to patients suffering from arthritis of the knee or a knee injury. Partial knee replacement surgery replaces only the damaged area of your knee joint, may require only one day of hospitalization, and results in dramatically less recovery time when compared with total knee replacement surgery.

The knee can be divided into three compartments: the medial compartment, the lateral compartment, and the patello-femoral compartment. The uni-compartmental implant is designed to replace either the medial or lateral compartment.

The uni-compartmental knee replacement is a minimally invasive option for patients with knee arthritis that is isolated to either the medial or lateral compartment of the knee. This minimally invasive procedure provides several benefits to patients who have a moderately active lifestyle, are within normal weight ranges, and have arthritis that is confined to a single compartment.

Total Knee Replacement - A total knee replacement involves cutting away the damaged bone of the knee joint and replacing it with a prosthesis. This "new joint" prevents the bones from rubbing together and provides a smooth knee joint.

In the total knee replacement procedure, each prosthesis is made up of four parts. The tibial component has two elements and replaces the top of the shin bone or tibia. This prosthesis is made up of a metal tray attached directly to the bone and a plastic spacer that provides the bearing surface.

The femoral component replaces the bottom of the thigh bone or femur. This component also replaces the groove where the patella, or kneecap, sits.

The patellar component replaces the surface of the knee cap, which rubs against the femur. The patella protects the joint, and the resurfaced patellar button will slide smoothly on the front of the joint.

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Nonsurgical Options: Lifestyle Modification

The first alternative to knee surgery is lifestyle modification. This may include weight loss, avoiding activities such as running and twisting which can aggravate the knee injury, modifying exercise to no- and low-impact, and other changes in your daily routine to reduce stress on your knee.

Exercise and Physical Therapy - Exercise and physical therapy may be prescribed by your CFO physician to improve strength and flexibility. Exercises may include strengthening exercises such as riding a stationary bike, and stretching exercises such as flexing the ankle up and down, tightening and holding thigh muscles, sliding the heel forward on the floor, leg lifts, and knee extensions.

Exercise can strengthen your leg muscles and reduce your pain. If you really need knee surgery, this may not help, but many forms of knee pain can be mitigated by exercise.

Our on-site physical therapy allows for convenient and personalized care.

Anti-inflammatory - Arthritis pain is caused by inflammation in the knee as the bones rub against each other due to eroded cartilage. Reducing the inflammation of the tissue in the knee can provide temporary relief from pain and delay knee surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to decrease swelling in the joint.

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