Abstract
Introduction: The incidence of younger people requiring arthroplasty is on the rise. Metal on metal Hybrid hip resurfacing arthroplasty is an exciting alternative to conventional arthroplasty, to Orthopaedic surgeons, in young active patients where preserving bone stock is important.
Materials and Methods: All patients with a hybrid Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty (cemented femoral component and a hydroxyappitie coated press fit acetabulum) from 1997–2001, operated by the senior surgeon were followed up. They had annual AP and lateral x-rays, the pre and post op Harris hip scores were recorded and a patient satisfaction survey was done. Results: There were 36 patients, aver follow up 17.2 months, the aver age was 52.Except for 2 patients with femoral neck fractures which required revision there were no other significant complications. Both these patients had a notched femoral neck intraoperatively. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening .The average preop and post op Harris hip scores were 45.5 and 92.1 respectively. There were no radiological signs of loosening. 93% said they would recommend it to others, 93 % rated the surgery as being excellent to good and 96 % returned to normal or near normal level of activity as
Conclusions: We feel that Conservative Hip arthroplasty with resurfacing of the femoral head is an attractive concept particularly in younger patients.
The advantages are preservation of bone stock, non violation of the proximal femur, reduction of stress shielding in the proximal femur and it is quite physiological.
The one important thing is to avoid notching the neck to prevent disastrous fractures. The implant is less forgiving and the learning curve is steep. The ultimate usefulness can only be gauged once longer follow-ups are available.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Peter Kay, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to British Hip Society, The Hip Centre, Wrightington Hospital, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9EP.
