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While the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing implant is new
to the United States, it is not a new implant or technique. It has been in
use worldwide since 1997, and the US Food and Drug Administration reviewed
a tremendous amount of resulting clinical data before approving it for use
in this country.
The typical
patient will be physically active, under 60 years of age, and suffering
from hip arthritis, hip dysplasia or avascular necrosis of the hip. The
implant can be used in patients over 60 whose bone quality is strong
enough to support the implant. Dr. Rubinstein will make the determination
if you are a candidate for hip resurfacing. To determine your eligibility as a hip resurfacing candidate, please submit your x-rays to »doctor@hiportho.com
It is impossible
to say how long your implant will last because so many factors play into
the lifespan of an implant. In the case of resurfacing, for instance,
the metal-on-metal bearing surfaces of your new joint may extend its
life longer than that of a traditional total hip replacement, but failure
to comply with your physical rehabilitation regime may cause your implant
to fail within months. A clinical study showed the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing
implant had a survivorship of 98.4-percent at the five-year mark, which
is comparable with the survivorship of a traditional total hip replacement
in the under-60 age group.
Dr. Rubinstein will use an incision of between
four and eight inches in length. While some surgeons may use a slightly
smaller incision, most will fall in that range.
Most surgeons will tell
you that after the first year, you can return to whatever physical activity
you enjoyed before hip pain limited your mobility. For instance, unlike
total hip replacement, you will be able to return to jogging or singles
tennis after your first year after surgery. During your first year, more
conservative, low-impact activities like walking, swimming and bicycling
are recommended for strengthening your femoral neck and the muscles around
your resurfaced joint.
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