In the late 1980’s, another British
Surgeon suggested combining two earlier concepts of
metal-on-metal bearings and Hip Resurfacing, to create
metal-on-metal Resurfacing of the hip joint. Corin pioneered
the development of this technology and introduced the first
metal-on-metal Resurfacing Hip system in 1991. This has a
number of major differences from a conventional THR:
In Hip Resurfacing, both
components are made from metal. By eliminating the
plastic socket in a conventional THR, and making both
parts of the bearing surface of metal, the new
Resurfacing Hip system is intended to last much longer,
and therefore be more suitable for higher demand
patients.
The bearing is also a much larger
diameter than is used in a conventional Total Hip
Replacement – it is almost identical to the size of the
head of the natural femur. This is much less likely to
dislocate than the smaller diameter bearing of a THR,
and this means that patients can return to higher levels
of activity without worrying about dislocating their
implant.
Finally, the procedure is very
bone conserving, since the head of the femur is simply
reshaped and resurfaced, rather then being removed.
Should the device need replacing at some time in the
future, this may provide better options for the Surgeon
at that time, as a conventional THR may then be used.
Resurfacing of the Hip is a relatively
new procedure and does not have the long-term clinical
follow-up results that are available for some other types of
conventional THR. Not all Surgeons are experienced in
Resurfacing of the Hip. The procedure is intended for
use in a specific group of younger (usually patients under
the age of 65), high demand patients. Your Orthopaedic
Surgeon is the only person who can advise you whether you
are suitable for such an operation.
In recent years the use of “minimally invasive” techniques
has become more widespread and surgeons are using smaller
incisions, with less disruption to the soft tissues around
the hip. The instruments used in the Cormet Hip Resurfacing
system are designed to allow the surgeon to implant the
resurfacing using these minimally invasive techniques.
If you are suitable, it is likely that you
will be able to return to relatively normal levels of
activity, and many Resurfacing patients have been able to
partake in modest recreational sporting activities with
their new hip. The Resurfacing device should last for many
years, and should not require revising as early as a
conventional THR, but as it is still a relatively new device
it will take some years before the long-term results can be
confirmed.
