The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) offers a bone conserving, less invasive alternative to Total Hip Replacement, with the potential for higher levels of patient activity.
The BHR system has allowed many young and active patients – including many high profile athletes – to leave behind the pain and immobility of an arthritic hip and restore their quality of life.
The traditional treatment of a Total Hip Replacement (though successful in elderly, relatively inactive patients) offers poor long-term outcomes for young and active patients – leading to the inevitable saga of revision surgery and associated complications.
In Hip Resurfacing, the articular surfaces of the femur and acetabulum are replaced. The procedure is bone conserving as most of the head of the femur is retained. Instead of removing the head completely , it is shaped to accept a low-wear metal sphere. This sphere matches the patient’s own anatomy, meaning there is a low risk of dislocation, a broad range of movement and excellent stability. A comprehensive range of sizes is offered to address the needs of almost all patients, and those with acetabular deficiencies.
Active patients who suffer from hip pain due to arthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis may benefit from the bone-conserving approach of the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System (BHR Hip), the world’s leading hip resurfacing system.
Unlike total hip replacement, the BHR hip resurfaces just a few centimeters of bone, preserving your original joint. The BHR hip is not unlike a cap for a tooth.
Because this technologically advanced surgical procedure resurfaces rather than replaces the end of your femur (thighbone), you may participate in physical activity with an implant that is potentially longer-lasting and more stable than total hip replacements.
In fact, one recent study of nearly 1,000 patients showed the patients who received hip resurfacing experience less thigh pain and function at a higher level of physical activity than patients of a similar age, gender and activity level who received a traditional hip replacement.
Hip resurfacing is intended for active patients who are under 60 years of age and in need of a hip replacement. Adults over 60 who are living non-sedentary lifestyles may also be considered for this procedure.