Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Available at Mercy in Baltimore
Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland offers the innovative Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure as an alternative to a traditional hip replacement for qualifying patients. Dr. Marc Hungerford, Director of Joint Replacement and Reconstruction at Mercy, has been trained specifically to perform Birmingham Hip Resurfacing.
What is Birmingham Hip Resurfacing?
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing, the first FDA-approved hip resurfacing system in the United States, helps preserve the hip joint for a longer period of time. The metal-on-metal hardware used during Birmingham Hip Resurfacing typically provides a longer life for the hip joint.
Patients who have their hips resurfaced participate in The Joint Journey at Mercy, an educational and rehabilitation program for patients who have knee or hip preservation or replacements.
How is Birmingham Hip Resurfacing performed?
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing removes less bone than a traditional hip replacement. During the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure, the orthopedic surgeon removes a small amount of bone and places a cap on the femoral head rather than replacing the femoral head and neck completely as is done during a hip replacement.
Who are the best candidates for Birmingham Hip Resurfacing?
The best candidates for Birmingham Hip Resurfacing typically are younger and more active patients who are between 30 and 60 years old. Older patients may still be candidates if their bone is healthy enough to support the hip implant. Birmingham Hip Resurfacing provides many patients another clinical option to alleviate hip pain although some patients, especially those with osteoporosis, are more suited for a traditional hip replacement.
What are the benefits of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing?
The benefits of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing include:
- Restoration of natural hip motion
- Generally faster recovery time
- Conservation of more bone
- Elimination of hip joint pain
When is Birmingham Hip Resurfacing the best option?
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing is typically one of the best treatment options when patients need a primary hip resurfaced due to hip arthritis, hip dysplasia or avascular necrosis in the hip.