Every organ of the human body is worthwhile in terms of its specific function. However, bones and joints possess a unique value as they contribute to mobility, which is necessary to enjoy a progressive life. Thus, any medical issue regarding joints can interfere with daily activities and also quality of life in the long run. Plus, deciding to choose a treatment for hip joint problems can be challenging in various ways. Moreover, the decision becomes more sensitive if one has to undergo an operation.
Surgery for hip replacement has revolutionized the treatment choices to resolve hip joint issues. It is a highly advanced way to treat degenerated or injured hip joints. Then what is hip resurfacing? Let us go deeper to learn the ways both procedures treat hip joint problems and how they differ from each other.
Mechanism of Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing
Hip joints are highly valuable because your numerous movements are dependent on their health and functionality. It joins the pelvis (a connection between the upper body and lower limb) and the femur (thigh bone). Moreover, during movement, it maintains stability and balance by bearing a large portion of the body’s weight. In case of any severe damage to a hip joint or its supporting factors, cartilage, ligaments, or muscles, call for surgery. Yet, knowing in detail about surgical choices and their outcomes can make it easy to make thoughtful decisions. Here is a brief overview of the mechanism of two advanced operations.
Surgery for Hip Replacement
Hip arthroplasty or Surgery for hip replacement is an excellent surgical procedure specialized to repair a severely diseased or injured hip joint. It produces appreciable results in cases like traumatic hip fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoarthritis, or avascular necrosis. The surgeon replaces the worn-out or damaged parts of the acetabulum (the socket) and femoral head (the ball) with artificial parts, usually composed of sturdy materials like plastic, ceramic, or metal. The purpose of these artificial parts is to resume mobility and health of the hip joint.
Moreover, depending on the severity of the loss, the operation can be performed as complete or partial replacement surgery. After the procedure, patients often experience pain alleviation, increased mobility, and a better capacity to carry out everyday tasks. Additionally, Physical therapy and rehabilitation can contribute to regaining joint strength and flexibility.
Hip Resurfacing
This hip joint surgery is another innovative surgery that aims to resolve hip joint injury or damage while keeping much of the original safe. However, it is most suitable for younger, more active patients with significant hip injury but good bone quality. Surgeons insert a metal implant in the acetabulum (hip socket) and cover the femoral head with a smooth metal coating. Thus, more of the patient’s original bone structure is preserved with this approach. Its results significantly include improving joint stability and a more natural range of motion. In particular, it helps people who want to continue being active after surgery.
This surgery is highly effective in relieving pain and restoring mobility through slight implantations. Hence, it is now a feasible and successful choice for certain patients due to advancements in materials and surgical techniques.
Major Differences Between Surgery for Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing
Surgery for hip replacement and Hip resurfacing are both effective to treat various hip joint issues. In addition, these are quite beneficial procedures that help to overcome hip joint damage and injuries. There are differences concerning various perspectives. However, consulting a surgeon is the best way to make a decision. Additionally, understanding the dissimilarities can also help to check the suitability of the procedure for your specific problem. Here is an overview
Procedure
Surgery for hip replacement is the removal of the entire femoral head and neck. Surgeons put artificial parts in the place of original joint structures. On the contrary in resurfacing surgery femoral head is reshaped and covered with a metal cap. In addition, the socket is only lined with metal. Thus, the basic mechanism of both procedures is entirely different.
Implants
The material of implants is another significant dissimilarity between the procedures. A complete replacement of the femoral ball and socket with prosthetic parts, usually composed of metal, ceramic, or plastic, belongs to surgery for hip replacement.
Hip resurfacing is about the use of a metal implant in place of the acetabulum. Thus, this design offers a more anatomical fit and helps preserve more of the native bone.
Cost
The hip replacement cost of operation comes high on the list of noteworthy differences between both surgeries. The nature of joint damage is a crucial factor determining the procedure’s complexity and, hence, the cost. However, surgery for hip replacement is usually comparatively more costly at most clinics than hip resurfacing. There are numerous reasons for this, including the insertion of entire prosthetic implants. Moreover, surgeons’ experience, clinical facilities, and the quality of implants also have a great impact on the overall cost.
Age and Activity Level
Since hip resurfacing maintains bone structure and permits greater activity levels, it is frequently preferable for younger, more active patients. Moreover, people of middle age with strong bone health and less damaged joints can consider it.
On the other hand, elderly people should go for surgery for hip replacement. Moreover, those with more extensive bone deterioration due to any medical condition or injury, along with reduced activity expectations, are more likely to have surgery for hip replacement.
Recovery
Patients usually seem concerned about the recovery period. As hip resurfacing involves less disturbing bone removal, recovery is typically faster and provides a more natural range of motion. On the other hand, surgery for hip replacement is a more extensive process, so the recovery period could be longer. In addition, adhering to surgeons’ advice and postoperative care is necessary in both cases.
Longevity
Although both procedures effectively provide long-lasting benefits, hip resurfacing involves an increased risk of problems due to prolonged metal wear. Thus, the need for revision surgery arises sooner if severe issues occur, particularly if the metal components are severely worn down or damaged.
While the upshots of other choices tend to last longer due to a thorough alteration of the joint, although they are still possible, hip replacement revisions usually happen later in life because of the durability of the prosthesis.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, advancements in surgical procedures are bringing noteworthy choices to facilitate people regarding different medical problems. People with hip joint discomfort and dysfunction can benefit from two excellent operations: surgery for hip replacement and hip resurfacing. However, the basic course of action varies depending on a number of criteria, such as age, activity level, bone health, and the degree of joint degeneration. Resurfacing hip surgery has benefits for younger, more active people who want to retain a higher level of activity and preserve more of their natural bone structure. At the same time, hip replacement is effective for older people or those with significant bone deterioration. A personalized consultation with an orthopedic surgeon is necessary to identify the suitability of the procedure for each patient. Each of these has unique advantages, dangers, and long-term considerations but can greatly increase quality of life, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility.
