Category Archives: Hip

While there is usually a number of people waiting for this procedure some scheduling flexibility is possible based on need and availability. Additionally, as outlined in my practice philosophy, expedited consultation and private surgery can be arranged (ideally allowing treatment within several months instead of several years). Send us your query to get definitive information.

Birmingham replacement in this age group is thought to have a lower failure rate than more conventional stemmed prostheses. Patients have been reported to resume running. I do not recommend this. If this is realistic for you (i.e. no other major health or joint issues), you have to accept a gradual return to this high level of activity, to strengthen the femoral neck bone. Furthermore, intense running may still lead to early or earlier failure. It will almost certainly increase the rate of metal ion generation, which may have implications for your general health. This concern has not been substantiated as of to date.

A standard hip replacement has approximately 90-95% chance to be still satisfactory and functional at 10 years. The exception is the group of young patients, perhaps between 40-55 y of age, who have a markedly higher failure rate. However, the effect of newer bearing surfaces of the longevity of standard total hip replacement in this group has not been established yet. Most likely, significant improvement will be obtained with these newer designs.The Birmingham hip replacement may have a very low failure rate at 8 years, approximately 1%. More recent data suggests that a slightly higher early failure rate may be present. It is thought that once the first 1-2 years have passed the risk of failure becomes very low.
Based on this, most Birmingham hip replacements are expected to last for a long time, 20 or 30 years would not be unreasonable to assume. However, only time will tell.

1) Preparing Your Body

• Increase your upper body strength to enable you to use mostly your arms after surgery.
• Lose weight reducing the weight strain on your new hip.
• Stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications or aspirins at least 10 days prior to surgery.
• Stop smoking as early as you can before Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgery.

2) Preparing Your Home

• Rent or purchase special equipment to make your home life comfortable when you return from your surgery: some long-handled devices to avoid bending more than 90 degrees, elevated toilet seat, good chair cushions, and a shower chair.

3) Preparing to Travel

• It is generally safe to travel within a week of your surgery. Discuss this with your doctors. Take advantage of the wheelchair services offered at the airports.

The recovery period following Hip Resurfacing surgery will vary depending on the patient. In general, the orthopaedic surgeon will encourage the patient to use the new joint soon after the operation. Usually the patient will be standing and beginning to walk within several days. The patient will normally use crutches or cane for a period of time. The patient will also learn to do appropriate exercises to move and strengthen the joint.

• With the development of Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery, many advantages exist for hip resurfacing surgery compared to the traditional full hip replacement.
  • Smaller Device: Birmingham device is chrome cobalt, metal combination. It is smaller than a traditional total hip device. With a smaller device the recovery is quicker.
  • Reduction in the Bone removed: Birmingham hip resurfacing literally means retreading the bone with a metal prosthesis. Therefore, there is a significant decrease in the amount of bone removed. Only a very small amount of bone needs to be removed. The femur (thigh) bone does not need to be damaged.
  • Decrease in Complication Rates: Birmingham hip surgery greatly reduces the disruption of the joint, therefore providing a shorter recovery period and a decrease in some complications. There is a dramatic reduction of dislocation rates and a reduction to the problem of lengthening or shortening of the leg.
  • Shorter Recovery Time: Most Birmingham hip patients are walking 4 hours after surgery. Total time spent in hospital is approximately 2 days. Within 2 weeks, most patients are back driving, resuming most of their normal activities. Birmingham hip resurfacing dramatically improves quality of life. For total hip replacement most people remain in hospital for 5-6 days and remain off driving for 6 weeks.
  • More stable hip: Because hip replacements use a smaller ball (to allow thicker plastic for longer wear) the range of movement is less and the dislocation rate greater (up to 1 in a 25) than a BHR. The hip resurfacing has a dislocation rate of less than 1 in 500 because the ball is not removed and remains the same size as the patient’s original hip. The range of movement is greater. Because the hip is more stable and feels more normal, the recovery is quicker and the function generally better.
  • Ease of Revision: Because hip resurfacing does not damage the thigh bone, when they fail they can be more easily converted to a total hip replacement. This is important in young patients who wear out total hip replacements, because it saves this procedure as a later option when they are older.

There are risks with any surgical procedure. Hip Resurfacing Surgery being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.The person considering Hip Resurfacing surgery should tell the orthopaedic surgeon about any additional medical conditions that might complicate the surgery. The patient’s regular doctor should be told of the proposed surgery. Before the operation, the patient should discuss with the anesthetists the type of anaesthetic and possible risks involved.

• Being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.
• Materials and surgical techniques are improving rapidly because of the efforts of orthopaedic surgeons working with engineers and other scientists.

Hip Resurfacing surgery is approximately 2 hours of set up and operating time. There is approximately 1 hour in the recovery room after surgery. Hip resurfacing surgery requires the removal of the diseased bone only.

The pain usually decreases rapidly during the first few weeks, but the hip continues to improve for 12 months or even longer. The swelling is due to alterations in fluid return up the limb and will gradually diminish but may take many months. Mobilisation helps, as does elevation when not exercising.

Mild and moderate exercise is beneficial, but over-exercise is painful. Be guided by the hip symptoms. Generally the more active you are, the better, but within your tolerance.

Driving is an individual matter. Some people regain their co-ordination and reflexes quickly and others take longer. Following hip surgery, you should avoid driving for at least 2-3 weeks, depending on your progress.

During the first days after surgery, you should learn to walk stairs with a physiotherapist at the hospital. The pace at which you regain agility on stairs depends on individual traits.

High heels should be avoided for the first few months. Otherwise, there are no rules regarding shoes.

Both ice and heat can be used to help relieve pain, but both can be harmful if left on too long. Never sleep with a heating pad on your hip. It can damage the skin and even cause a severe burn. Ice can be used several times a day. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, is the usual regime.

Blood thinning medications (Aspirin, Cartia) should be taken for 1 month. All pain medications may be taken as directed for pain. We suggest you use these pain medications regularly for the first 10 days after surgery to prevent pain, after this they can be used just as necessary. If you have any questions about your medications, please ask.

It is common to have clicking of the artificial joint. It is caused by the movement of the hard joint surfaces or tendons moving across them. As your hip recovers and strengthens it tends to go away.

Sleeping trouble is the most common question. You need patience. Surgical healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Therefore, you may be slightly uncomfortable for this time. When you sleep, your own natural body produced pain killers (endorphins) reduced so the leg and hip can ache. Taking prescribed medication at night (Paracetamol, Tramadol and Gabapentin) will help and heat packs can also help. Also getting out of bed and moving the joint sometimes helps. Keep active during the day and avoid napping during the day as this makes night sleep more difficult. Normal sleep will return as the hip heals. This can take 6 -12 weeks.

It is important not to have any infections at the time of surgery, including teeth problems, bladder or skin infections. We suggest that you have a dental check up within 6 months prior to surgery as it is important not to have any major dental work for 6 months after the surgery. Please let me know if you have any infections prior to surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital India offers highest quality bone and joint health care with attentiveness, care and compassion to meet the needs of the patients and their loved ones. The medical team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are familiar with all the aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Our hospital uses the most advanced technologies available for the orthopaedic procedures and has a lower complication rate.

While there is usually a number of people waiting for this procedure some scheduling flexibility is possible based on need and availability. Additionally, as outlined in my practice philosophy, expedited consultation and private surgery can be arranged (ideally allowing treatment within several months instead of several years). Send us your query to get definitive information.

Birmingham replacement in this age group is thought to have a lower failure rate than more conventional stemmed prostheses. Patients have been reported to resume running. I do not recommend this. If this is realistic for you (i.e. no other major health or joint issues), you have to accept a gradual return to this high level of activity, to strengthen the femoral neck bone. Furthermore, intense running may still lead to early or earlier failure. It will almost certainly increase the rate of metal ion generation, which may have implications for your general health. This concern has not been substantiated as of to date.

A standard hip replacement has approximately 90-95% chance to be still satisfactory and functional at 10 years. The exception is the group of young patients, perhaps between 40-55 y of age, who have a markedly higher failure rate. However, the effect of newer bearing surfaces of the longevity of standard total hip replacement in this group has not been established yet. Most likely, significant improvement will be obtained with these newer designs.The Birmingham hip replacement may have a very low failure rate at 8 years, approximately 1%. More recent data suggests that a slightly higher early failure rate may be present. It is thought that once the first 1-2 years have passed the risk of failure becomes very low.
Based on this, most Birmingham hip replacements are expected to last for a long time, 20 or 30 years would not be unreasonable to assume. However, only time will tell.

1) Preparing Your Body

• Increase your upper body strength to enable you to use mostly your arms after surgery.
• Lose weight reducing the weight strain on your new hip.
• Stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications or aspirins at least 10 days prior to surgery.
• Stop smoking as early as you can before Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgery.

2) Preparing Your Home

• Rent or purchase special equipment to make your home life comfortable when you return from your surgery: some long-handled devices to avoid bending more than 90 degrees, elevated toilet seat, good chair cushions, and a shower chair.

3) Preparing to Travel

• It is generally safe to travel within a week of your surgery. Discuss this with your doctors. Take advantage of the wheelchair services offered at the airports.

The recovery period following Hip Resurfacing surgery will vary depending on the patient. In general, the orthopaedic surgeon will encourage the patient to use the new joint soon after the operation. Usually the patient will be standing and beginning to walk within several days. The patient will normally use crutches or cane for a period of time. The patient will also learn to do appropriate exercises to move and strengthen the joint.

• With the development of Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery, many advantages exist for hip resurfacing surgery compared to the traditional full hip replacement.
  • Smaller Device: Birmingham device is chrome cobalt, metal combination. It is smaller than a traditional total hip device. With a smaller device the recovery is quicker.
  • Reduction in the Bone removed: Birmingham hip resurfacing literally means retreading the bone with a metal prosthesis. Therefore, there is a significant decrease in the amount of bone removed. Only a very small amount of bone needs to be removed. The femur (thigh) bone does not need to be damaged.
  • Decrease in Complication Rates: Birmingham hip surgery greatly reduces the disruption of the joint, therefore providing a shorter recovery period and a decrease in some complications. There is a dramatic reduction of dislocation rates and a reduction to the problem of lengthening or shortening of the leg.
  • Shorter Recovery Time: Most Birmingham hip patients are walking 4 hours after surgery. Total time spent in hospital is approximately 2 days. Within 2 weeks, most patients are back driving, resuming most of their normal activities. Birmingham hip resurfacing dramatically improves quality of life. For total hip replacement most people remain in hospital for 5-6 days and remain off driving for 6 weeks.
  • More stable hip: Because hip replacements use a smaller ball (to allow thicker plastic for longer wear) the range of movement is less and the dislocation rate greater (up to 1 in a 25) than a BHR. The hip resurfacing has a dislocation rate of less than 1 in 500 because the ball is not removed and remains the same size as the patient’s original hip. The range of movement is greater. Because the hip is more stable and feels more normal, the recovery is quicker and the function generally better.
  • Ease of Revision: Because hip resurfacing does not damage the thigh bone, when they fail they can be more easily converted to a total hip replacement. This is important in young patients who wear out total hip replacements, because it saves this procedure as a later option when they are older.

There are risks with any surgical procedure. Hip Resurfacing Surgery being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.The person considering Hip Resurfacing surgery should tell the orthopaedic surgeon about any additional medical conditions that might complicate the surgery. The patient’s regular doctor should be told of the proposed surgery. Before the operation, the patient should discuss with the anesthetists the type of anaesthetic and possible risks involved.

• Being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.
• Materials and surgical techniques are improving rapidly because of the efforts of orthopaedic surgeons working with engineers and other scientists.

Hip Resurfacing surgery is approximately 2 hours of set up and operating time. There is approximately 1 hour in the recovery room after surgery. Hip resurfacing surgery requires the removal of the diseased bone only.

The pain usually decreases rapidly during the first few weeks, but the hip continues to improve for 12 months or even longer. The swelling is due to alterations in fluid return up the limb and will gradually diminish but may take many months. Mobilisation helps, as does elevation when not exercising.

Mild and moderate exercise is beneficial, but over-exercise is painful. Be guided by the hip symptoms. Generally the more active you are, the better, but within your tolerance.

Driving is an individual matter. Some people regain their co-ordination and reflexes quickly and others take longer. Following hip surgery, you should avoid driving for at least 2-3 weeks, depending on your progress.

During the first days after surgery, you should learn to walk stairs with a physiotherapist at the hospital. The pace at which you regain agility on stairs depends on individual traits.

High heels should be avoided for the first few months. Otherwise, there are no rules regarding shoes.

Both ice and heat can be used to help relieve pain, but both can be harmful if left on too long. Never sleep with a heating pad on your hip. It can damage the skin and even cause a severe burn. Ice can be used several times a day. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, is the usual regime.

Blood thinning medications (Aspirin, Cartia) should be taken for 1 month. All pain medications may be taken as directed for pain. We suggest you use these pain medications regularly for the first 10 days after surgery to prevent pain, after this they can be used just as necessary. If you have any questions about your medications, please ask.

It is common to have clicking of the artificial joint. It is caused by the movement of the hard joint surfaces or tendons moving across them. As your hip recovers and strengthens it tends to go away.

Sleeping trouble is the most common question. You need patience. Surgical healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Therefore, you may be slightly uncomfortable for this time. When you sleep, your own natural body produced pain killers (endorphins) reduced so the leg and hip can ache. Taking prescribed medication at night (Paracetamol, Tramadol and Gabapentin) will help and heat packs can also help. Also getting out of bed and moving the joint sometimes helps. Keep active during the day and avoid napping during the day as this makes night sleep more difficult. Normal sleep will return as the hip heals. This can take 6 -12 weeks.

It is important not to have any infections at the time of surgery, including teeth problems, bladder or skin infections. We suggest that you have a dental check up within 6 months prior to surgery as it is important not to have any major dental work for 6 months after the surgery. Please let me know if you have any infections prior to surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital India offers highest quality bone and joint health care with attentiveness, care and compassion to meet the needs of the patients and their loved ones. The medical team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are familiar with all the aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Our hospital uses the most advanced technologies available for the orthopaedic procedures and has a lower complication rate.

Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital India offers highest quality bone and joint health care with attentiveness, care and compassion to meet the needs of the patients and their loved ones. The medical team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are familiar with all the aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Our hospital uses the most advanced technologies available for the orthopaedic procedures and has a lower complication rate.

Yes, completely. A hip resurfacing has only two components, made of identical material. These two surfaces rub together in a bearing that has been used since the 1960s.

In a hip resurfacing, there are only two components, one resurfacing the femoral head, and one relining the acetabulum. These are made of identical material, cobalt chrome alloy. Hip replacements were made of exactly the same material back in the 1960s, using a design called the McKee-Farrar.

Depending on the type, there can be 2,3 or 4 parts.

• The acetabular component can be made of a single material – either plastic or cobalt chrome alloy or ceramic, or it could have an outer shell of titanium and a lining of plastic, cobalt chrome alloy, or ceramic.
• A hip replacement has a stem in the femur which can be made of titanium, cobalt-chrome alloy, or stainless steel. On top of this a femoral head is placed. Some systems provide the head and stem in one piece, called a monobloc, while most nowadays have heads of different sizes and lengths to allow the surgeon to make adjustments at the time.
• Femoral heads may be made of metal or ceramic. The exact type of metal is important, as some metals can corrode when placed against others.

All artificial bearings wear, but some wear faster than others. The rate of wear depends on how hard you use the hip, and the material and design of the bearing surfaces. In general, your bearing was chosen for you, to ensure that it lasted longer than you could expect to live, no matter how much exercise you do, so it is rather unlikely that any hip inserted in the last 15 years will actually wear out through overuse, no matter how long you live. In older hips, from the 1980s and earlier, this wasn’t the case, so we can expect to have to change the bearings in some of these.

The wear process caused by everyday life, produces small particles. In bearings with the same surfaces on each side, such as ceramic-on-ceramic or metal-on-metal, the particles may come from either surface, while bearings with a poly acetablular liner only generate particles of poly. The poly particles are so large that they cannot be digested easily. They tend to accumulate around the joint, and are associated with some hips loosening after many years because of a reaction to those wear particles.

Wear of metal on metal bearings should be extremely slow, so most hip resurfacings will never wear out in any human lifetime. They do produce wear particles, however, which are extremely small, and broken down into ‘ions’ or the single atoms of metal that are used in our body naturally. Cobalt ions are part of vitamin B12, while Chromium ions are in haemoglobin. The level of circulating cobalt and chromium in our blood stream is usually very low. After a hip resurfacing the levels rise, as the particles from the hip are dissolved into ions. These particles are then excreted by the kidneys into the urine. So a normal hip resurfacing actually is self-cleaning, with any wear particles eliminated from the body naturally every day.

Metal ions are essential for life, and cobalt and chromium are in every cell in our body naturally. Only excessive metal ions may be of concern.

If your hip is comfortable, then you almost certainly don’t have a problem. To reassure you and your doctor that all is well, a simple blood test to measure the levels may be helpful. A plain X-ray, or an MRI, or just an ultrasound may also be options to reassure that all is well. Only very occasionally does a blood test or scan throw up unexpected findings.

The measurement is not performed in every laboratory, and is best carried out on ‘whole blood’ not just the plasma. It is also best done in a laboratory that specializes in the test, so that the results are reliable. A technique called ‘mass spectroscopy’ is used. This requires a special and quite expensive instrument, which explains why many labs don’t do the measurement themselves.

Hips can only corrode if there are two different metals attached to each other. Even then, corrosion is unlikely, but it can happen, and is particularly likely if the stem is one metal, the femoral head another, and the acetabular shell still another. In these hips, the so called Large Diameter Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasties (LDMoMTHA), corrosion has been a problem. The process has occurred at the junction between the stem and the femoral head. This process has produced many more wear particles and an entirely new problem. It is this problem that has caused all the fuss. The companies that supplied the heads and stems and sockets did not appreciate what a problem it would cause.

If you have a Large Diameter Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasties (LDMoMTHA),, then you may have already been invited to come back for a review. If you have no problems, then the review will probably not yield anything. If you are having nagging pain, it might just be that some corrosion is happening, so it is worth going to see your surgeon.

If you have a LDMoMTHA, then the government recommendation is that you should have an annual check-up. However, if all is well, then it is exceeding unlikely that any harm will come if the gap between visits is lengthened to 5 or even 10 years.

We are working on a web based system, and in some circumstances a phone call may be sufficient. However, as surgeons who want to be sure that our patients are well, we would rather you were seen in person if at all possible, so that we don’t miss anything.

If all feels well, it is exceeding unlikely that any harm will come whatever. But if you do have any aches and pains, then it is worth having a check-up, in the same way that it is worth having your car reviewed regularly by the garage.

The surgeon who did the operation was trying to provide a stable hip that would last for a long time. Every bearing has its own problems, and at the time, the surgeon felt that the advantages of a large bearing, which would abolish any risk of dislocation, outweighed any risks.

By all means, you may call the hospital where you had the surgery, or your surgeon’s office and ask for a follow up. In the NHS, there are some rules about follow-up appointments that can make this difficult. To avoid a long wait on the phone, (which can be maddening), a short note to your GP will result in a referral that will make it all happen without any more effort from you. Unless you are in pain, there is no urgency, as the chances of any major problem developing are very small.

You can most definitely choose hotels as per your convenience to you and your budget.

You can talk to the doctor and satisfy all your medical queries. You can also send us your queries for answers from the top doctors.

To know about the procedure of getting an Indian Medical Visa, please go to our website where you will find all the details regarding the initial procedure. You can also send us a query regarding the same.

Many hospitals in India have language translators to help you communicate better and effortlessly with the doctors and medical staff.

While there is usually a number of people waiting for this procedure some scheduling flexibility is possible based on need and availability. Additionally, as outlined in my practice philosophy, expedited consultation and private surgery can be arranged (ideally allowing treatment within several months instead of several years). Send us your query to get definitive information.

Birmingham replacement in this age group is thought to have a lower failure rate than more conventional stemmed prostheses. Patients have been reported to resume running. I do not recommend this. If this is realistic for you (i.e. no other major health or joint issues), you have to accept a gradual return to this high level of activity, to strengthen the femoral neck bone. Furthermore, intense running may still lead to early or earlier failure. It will almost certainly increase the rate of metal ion generation, which may have implications for your general health. This concern has not been substantiated as of to date.

A standard hip replacement has approximately 90-95% chance to be still satisfactory and functional at 10 years. The exception is the group of young patients, perhaps between 40-55 y of age, who have a markedly higher failure rate. However, the effect of newer bearing surfaces of the longevity of standard total hip replacement in this group has not been established yet. Most likely, significant improvement will be obtained with these newer designs.The Birmingham hip replacement may have a very low failure rate at 8 years, approximately 1%. More recent data suggests that a slightly higher early failure rate may be present. It is thought that once the first 1-2 years have passed the risk of failure becomes very low.
Based on this, most Birmingham hip replacements are expected to last for a long time, 20 or 30 years would not be unreasonable to assume. However, only time will tell.

1) Preparing Your Body

• Increase your upper body strength to enable you to use mostly your arms after surgery.
• Lose weight reducing the weight strain on your new hip.
• Stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications or aspirins at least 10 days prior to surgery.
• Stop smoking as early as you can before Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgery.

2) Preparing Your Home

• Rent or purchase special equipment to make your home life comfortable when you return from your surgery: some long-handled devices to avoid bending more than 90 degrees, elevated toilet seat, good chair cushions, and a shower chair.

3) Preparing to Travel

• It is generally safe to travel within a week of your surgery. Discuss this with your doctors. Take advantage of the wheelchair services offered at the airports.

The recovery period following Hip Resurfacing surgery will vary depending on the patient. In general, the orthopaedic surgeon will encourage the patient to use the new joint soon after the operation. Usually the patient will be standing and beginning to walk within several days. The patient will normally use crutches or cane for a period of time. The patient will also learn to do appropriate exercises to move and strengthen the joint.

• With the development of Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery, many advantages exist for hip resurfacing surgery compared to the traditional full hip replacement.
  • Smaller Device: Birmingham device is chrome cobalt, metal combination. It is smaller than a traditional total hip device. With a smaller device the recovery is quicker.
  • Reduction in the Bone removed: Birmingham hip resurfacing literally means retreading the bone with a metal prosthesis. Therefore, there is a significant decrease in the amount of bone removed. Only a very small amount of bone needs to be removed. The femur (thigh) bone does not need to be damaged.
  • Decrease in Complication Rates: Birmingham hip surgery greatly reduces the disruption of the joint, therefore providing a shorter recovery period and a decrease in some complications. There is a dramatic reduction of dislocation rates and a reduction to the problem of lengthening or shortening of the leg.
  • Shorter Recovery Time: Most Birmingham hip patients are walking 4 hours after surgery. Total time spent in hospital is approximately 2 days. Within 2 weeks, most patients are back driving, resuming most of their normal activities. Birmingham hip resurfacing dramatically improves quality of life. For total hip replacement most people remain in hospital for 5-6 days and remain off driving for 6 weeks.
  • More stable hip: Because hip replacements use a smaller ball (to allow thicker plastic for longer wear) the range of movement is less and the dislocation rate greater (up to 1 in a 25) than a BHR. The hip resurfacing has a dislocation rate of less than 1 in 500 because the ball is not removed and remains the same size as the patient’s original hip. The range of movement is greater. Because the hip is more stable and feels more normal, the recovery is quicker and the function generally better.
  • Ease of Revision: Because hip resurfacing does not damage the thigh bone, when they fail they can be more easily converted to a total hip replacement. This is important in young patients who wear out total hip replacements, because it saves this procedure as a later option when they are older.

There are risks with any surgical procedure. Hip Resurfacing Surgery being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.The person considering Hip Resurfacing surgery should tell the orthopaedic surgeon about any additional medical conditions that might complicate the surgery. The patient’s regular doctor should be told of the proposed surgery. Before the operation, the patient should discuss with the anesthetists the type of anaesthetic and possible risks involved.

• Being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.
• Materials and surgical techniques are improving rapidly because of the efforts of orthopaedic surgeons working with engineers and other scientists.

Hip Resurfacing surgery is approximately 2 hours of set up and operating time. There is approximately 1 hour in the recovery room after surgery. Hip resurfacing surgery requires the removal of the diseased bone only.

The pain usually decreases rapidly during the first few weeks, but the hip continues to improve for 12 months or even longer. The swelling is due to alterations in fluid return up the limb and will gradually diminish but may take many months. Mobilisation helps, as does elevation when not exercising.

Mild and moderate exercise is beneficial, but over-exercise is painful. Be guided by the hip symptoms. Generally the more active you are, the better, but within your tolerance.

Driving is an individual matter. Some people regain their co-ordination and reflexes quickly and others take longer. Following hip surgery, you should avoid driving for at least 2-3 weeks, depending on your progress.

During the first days after surgery, you should learn to walk stairs with a physiotherapist at the hospital. The pace at which you regain agility on stairs depends on individual traits.

High heels should be avoided for the first few months. Otherwise, there are no rules regarding shoes.

Both ice and heat can be used to help relieve pain, but both can be harmful if left on too long. Never sleep with a heating pad on your hip. It can damage the skin and even cause a severe burn. Ice can be used several times a day. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, is the usual regime.

Blood thinning medications (Aspirin, Cartia) should be taken for 1 month. All pain medications may be taken as directed for pain. We suggest you use these pain medications regularly for the first 10 days after surgery to prevent pain, after this they can be used just as necessary. If you have any questions about your medications, please ask.

It is common to have clicking of the artificial joint. It is caused by the movement of the hard joint surfaces or tendons moving across them. As your hip recovers and strengthens it tends to go away.

Sleeping trouble is the most common question. You need patience. Surgical healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Therefore, you may be slightly uncomfortable for this time. When you sleep, your own natural body produced pain killers (endorphins) reduced so the leg and hip can ache. Taking prescribed medication at night (Paracetamol, Tramadol and Gabapentin) will help and heat packs can also help. Also getting out of bed and moving the joint sometimes helps. Keep active during the day and avoid napping during the day as this makes night sleep more difficult. Normal sleep will return as the hip heals. This can take 6 -12 weeks.

It is important not to have any infections at the time of surgery, including teeth problems, bladder or skin infections. We suggest that you have a dental check up within 6 months prior to surgery as it is important not to have any major dental work for 6 months after the surgery. Please let me know if you have any infections prior to surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital India offers highest quality bone and joint health care with attentiveness, care and compassion to meet the needs of the patients and their loved ones. The medical team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are familiar with all the aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Our hospital uses the most advanced technologies available for the orthopaedic procedures and has a lower complication rate.

Arthritis is the major cause of the hip pain.

Low impact cardio exercises are a good way to prepare for hip replacement surgery. Consider using an exercise bike, doing water aerobics or swimming. Not only are these exercises helpful in your surgery preparation, it can also improve the symptoms of your arthritis.

I really like it when patients have enough calcium in their diet. I ask patients to take 400 mg of calcium with each meal and 1000 IU of Vitamin D each day. The extra vitamins will help your body grow into your hip components and make it stronger.

I have had patients in their 30s, which is rare, 40s, which is not quite as rare, 50s, 60s and 70s are the most common ages. That being said I have had patients in their 80s and even in their 90s.

They had a condition where the hip bone died and it could not be replaced.

Total hip replacements are really fun because it is no exaggeration that patients will tell me they feel better the day-after-surgery than they did the day-before-surgery.

The hardest part will probably be gaining physical capabilities you haven’t had in years. Many people are just happy to get their hip replaced and be able to do the things they used to do immediately before the replacement but now can do it without pain. Our goal is for the patient to think back years ago, before they had pain and regain that level of fitness. The reason it is hard is because a lot of people don’t ever think they will get back to that activity level. It just takes time.  How far were you hiking? Or dancing? Or golfing?  Were you riding your bike further?  Were you doing other things?  You can regain a higher level of fitness you haven’t had in years.

Yes, the surgery is an inpatient procedure; however, most patients leave two days after surgery.

No, if we do the surgery in the morning you will be out of bed by the end of the day. If we do the surgery later in the day, you will be out of bed the following morning.

You will be weight bearing as tolerated. The hospital staff will teach you how to get in and out of bed safely. Before you go home, they will make sure you are able to go up and down stairs.

We always prescribe physical therapy. It usually starts in your house and progresses to an outpatient facility. The sooner we can get you to a physical therapy clinic the better because the therapy center has more equipment and is more conducive to recovering from a hip replacement surgery.

You can easily replace both hips in the same year. The real go-getters will have their surgeries within six weeks of each other. More commonly people will have the hip replacement surgeries, three months apart.

Someone with a desk job might return to work in 3-6 weeks. For someone in construction it will be closer to 8-12 weeks.

There are dislocation precautions that are theoretically in place your whole life. Practically speaking, no one ever feels restricted after their hip replacement. They don’t feel like they can’t do things. The hip dislocation precautions are just part of your life.  They are not that restrictive, but they are onerous.

Usually, our orthopaedic surgeon’s use the posterior lateral approach which is the traditional/standard approach. There was a time that the surgeons did the anterior lateral approach too. We have such great results with the standard posterior approach – the patients are walking within two days and some take very few pain pills.

The shortest scars are less than four inches and it is unusual that I would go more than six inches.

Yes, I have all my patients see the dentist before I replace their hips to make sure their mouth is healthy. If you have any source of infection in your mouth it needs to be treated as best as possible so there is no risk of infection from your mouth to your new hip. After the replacement, we want you to see a dentist 2 times per year.  Good dental hygiene is very important.

Your allergic response at the skin level is much different than that at the bone level. I have never had to take out a hip or knee because of allergies.

Yes, most people want a walker right after surgery; however, most people are done using their walker by the time they get to the ten day post-operative follow-up in my office.

Pre-planning is important. It is helpful to have people at home to help.

It’s much easier to recover from a hip replacement verses a knee replacement. Most people don’t need a blood transfusion.

You can most definitely choose hotels as per your convenience to you and your budget.

You can talk to the doctor and satisfy all your medical queries. You can also send us your queries for answers from the top doctors.

To know about the procedure of getting an Indian Medical Visa, please go to our website where you will find all the details regarding the initial procedure. You can also send us a query regarding the same.

Many hospitals in India have language translators to help you communicate better and effortlessly with the doctors and medical staff.

While there is usually a number of people waiting for this procedure some scheduling flexibility is possible based on need and availability. Additionally, as outlined in my practice philosophy, expedited consultation and private surgery can be arranged (ideally allowing treatment within several months instead of several years). Send us your query to get definitive information.

Birmingham replacement in this age group is thought to have a lower failure rate than more conventional stemmed prostheses. Patients have been reported to resume running. I do not recommend this. If this is realistic for you (i.e. no other major health or joint issues), you have to accept a gradual return to this high level of activity, to strengthen the femoral neck bone. Furthermore, intense running may still lead to early or earlier failure. It will almost certainly increase the rate of metal ion generation, which may have implications for your general health. This concern has not been substantiated as of to date.

A standard hip replacement has approximately 90-95% chance to be still satisfactory and functional at 10 years. The exception is the group of young patients, perhaps between 40-55 y of age, who have a markedly higher failure rate. However, the effect of newer bearing surfaces of the longevity of standard total hip replacement in this group has not been established yet. Most likely, significant improvement will be obtained with these newer designs.The Birmingham hip replacement may have a very low failure rate at 8 years, approximately 1%. More recent data suggests that a slightly higher early failure rate may be present. It is thought that once the first 1-2 years have passed the risk of failure becomes very low.
Based on this, most Birmingham hip replacements are expected to last for a long time, 20 or 30 years would not be unreasonable to assume. However, only time will tell.

1) Preparing Your Body

• Increase your upper body strength to enable you to use mostly your arms after surgery.
• Lose weight reducing the weight strain on your new hip.
• Stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications or aspirins at least 10 days prior to surgery.
• Stop smoking as early as you can before Birmingham Hip Resurfacing surgery.

2) Preparing Your Home

• Rent or purchase special equipment to make your home life comfortable when you return from your surgery: some long-handled devices to avoid bending more than 90 degrees, elevated toilet seat, good chair cushions, and a shower chair.

3) Preparing to Travel

• It is generally safe to travel within a week of your surgery. Discuss this with your doctors. Take advantage of the wheelchair services offered at the airports.

The recovery period following Hip Resurfacing surgery will vary depending on the patient. In general, the orthopaedic surgeon will encourage the patient to use the new joint soon after the operation. Usually the patient will be standing and beginning to walk within several days. The patient will normally use crutches or cane for a period of time. The patient will also learn to do appropriate exercises to move and strengthen the joint.

• With the development of Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery, many advantages exist for hip resurfacing surgery compared to the traditional full hip replacement.
  • Smaller Device: Birmingham device is chrome cobalt, metal combination. It is smaller than a traditional total hip device. With a smaller device the recovery is quicker.
  • Reduction in the Bone removed: Birmingham hip resurfacing literally means retreading the bone with a metal prosthesis. Therefore, there is a significant decrease in the amount of bone removed. Only a very small amount of bone needs to be removed. The femur (thigh) bone does not need to be damaged.
  • Decrease in Complication Rates: Birmingham hip surgery greatly reduces the disruption of the joint, therefore providing a shorter recovery period and a decrease in some complications. There is a dramatic reduction of dislocation rates and a reduction to the problem of lengthening or shortening of the leg.
  • Shorter Recovery Time: Most Birmingham hip patients are walking 4 hours after surgery. Total time spent in hospital is approximately 2 days. Within 2 weeks, most patients are back driving, resuming most of their normal activities. Birmingham hip resurfacing dramatically improves quality of life. For total hip replacement most people remain in hospital for 5-6 days and remain off driving for 6 weeks.
  • More stable hip: Because hip replacements use a smaller ball (to allow thicker plastic for longer wear) the range of movement is less and the dislocation rate greater (up to 1 in a 25) than a BHR. The hip resurfacing has a dislocation rate of less than 1 in 500 because the ball is not removed and remains the same size as the patient’s original hip. The range of movement is greater. Because the hip is more stable and feels more normal, the recovery is quicker and the function generally better.
  • Ease of Revision: Because hip resurfacing does not damage the thigh bone, when they fail they can be more easily converted to a total hip replacement. This is important in young patients who wear out total hip replacements, because it saves this procedure as a later option when they are older.

There are risks with any surgical procedure. Hip Resurfacing Surgery being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.The person considering Hip Resurfacing surgery should tell the orthopaedic surgeon about any additional medical conditions that might complicate the surgery. The patient’s regular doctor should be told of the proposed surgery. Before the operation, the patient should discuss with the anesthetists the type of anaesthetic and possible risks involved.

• Being a relative new procedure, there is long term use data available. Hip Resurfacing surgery requires a well trained orthopaedic surgery.
• Materials and surgical techniques are improving rapidly because of the efforts of orthopaedic surgeons working with engineers and other scientists.

Hip Resurfacing surgery is approximately 2 hours of set up and operating time. There is approximately 1 hour in the recovery room after surgery. Hip resurfacing surgery requires the removal of the diseased bone only.

The pain usually decreases rapidly during the first few weeks, but the hip continues to improve for 12 months or even longer. The swelling is due to alterations in fluid return up the limb and will gradually diminish but may take many months. Mobilisation helps, as does elevation when not exercising.

Mild and moderate exercise is beneficial, but over-exercise is painful. Be guided by the hip symptoms. Generally the more active you are, the better, but within your tolerance.

Driving is an individual matter. Some people regain their co-ordination and reflexes quickly and others take longer. Following hip surgery, you should avoid driving for at least 2-3 weeks, depending on your progress.

During the first days after surgery, you should learn to walk stairs with a physiotherapist at the hospital. The pace at which you regain agility on stairs depends on individual traits.

High heels should be avoided for the first few months. Otherwise, there are no rules regarding shoes.

Both ice and heat can be used to help relieve pain, but both can be harmful if left on too long. Never sleep with a heating pad on your hip. It can damage the skin and even cause a severe burn. Ice can be used several times a day. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, is the usual regime.

Blood thinning medications (Aspirin, Cartia) should be taken for 1 month. All pain medications may be taken as directed for pain. We suggest you use these pain medications regularly for the first 10 days after surgery to prevent pain, after this they can be used just as necessary. If you have any questions about your medications, please ask.

It is common to have clicking of the artificial joint. It is caused by the movement of the hard joint surfaces or tendons moving across them. As your hip recovers and strengthens it tends to go away.

Sleeping trouble is the most common question. You need patience. Surgical healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Therefore, you may be slightly uncomfortable for this time. When you sleep, your own natural body produced pain killers (endorphins) reduced so the leg and hip can ache. Taking prescribed medication at night (Paracetamol, Tramadol and Gabapentin) will help and heat packs can also help. Also getting out of bed and moving the joint sometimes helps. Keep active during the day and avoid napping during the day as this makes night sleep more difficult. Normal sleep will return as the hip heals. This can take 6 -12 weeks.

It is important not to have any infections at the time of surgery, including teeth problems, bladder or skin infections. We suggest that you have a dental check up within 6 months prior to surgery as it is important not to have any major dental work for 6 months after the surgery. Please let me know if you have any infections prior to surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital India offers highest quality bone and joint health care with attentiveness, care and compassion to meet the needs of the patients and their loved ones. The medical team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are familiar with all the aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Our hospital uses the most advanced technologies available for the orthopaedic procedures and has a lower complication rate.