Hip Resurfacing - in The Colorado 303 Area Code

What is Hip Resurfacing?

The BIRMINGHAM HIP™ Resurfacing System (BHR™) is the global market leading hip resurfacing system with over 60,000 implantations worldwide. Introduced in 1997, the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System was designed using knowledge gained from first generation metal-on-metal total hips and a thorough understanding of hip resurfacing principles.

This successful, bone conserving total hip system is well documented through independent clinical and laboratory studies. Additional clinical evidence supporting the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System is published in multiple registries.

This bone conserving procedure, combined with the virtual elimination of dislocation and excellent survivorship make the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing ideal for the younger or more active patient.

How BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System works

Hip implant resurfacing Click image for larger view

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In a healthy hip, the ball-end of the femur (or thighbone) swivels smoothly in the socket of the pelvis, also called the acetabulum.

But in an unhealthy hip, the femur and acetabulum may become rough and worn. The bones of the joint rub together causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

Put simply, BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System is used in a surgical procedure that replaces these worn ball-and-socket surfaces in the joint with smooth, durable high carbide cobalt chrome.

For younger or physically active patients, hip resurfacing can be a bone-conserving alternative to total hip replacement surgery.

The implant

The BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System implant has two parts:

• A metal cap that locks onto the top of the femur and is a smooth ball on the outside.
• A corresponding smooth metal socket or cup that is locked into the pelvic socket.

Now instead of grinding bone on bone, the resurfaced metal on metal hip joint glides with a smooth, natural motion.

Metal on metal hip joints have been shown to be significantly more wear resistant than the traditional metal on plastic hip joints used in traditional hip replacement surgery. Some of the other currently sold metal on metal joints are using new technology that has had limited if any clinical validation.

The BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System metal on metal technology was based upon metal on metal joints that have demonstrated extremely low wear over decades of clinical use and now has over 8 years of use itself.

What are the Benefits?

Now there’s a way for the young and active to become pain free a little sooner, with a solution that can last for decades. It’s called Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) – a revolutionary new alternative to total hip replacement now available from Dr. James Rector of Boulder, Colorado.

• Pain relief that lasts a long time – Total hip replacements often last about 15 years, but BHR implants stay strong for decades. Studies show that BHR reduces joint wear by 97 percent when compared to conventional hip replacement.
• Much more resilient – During hip replacement, surgeons put in a metal ball and plastic socket. It’s the plastic hardware that wears out. Instead, BHR uses an all-metal ball and socket, ensuring that the new joint lasts longer.
• Saves the bone that’s there – With traditional hip replacement, the surgeon removes a lot of bone. Not with BHR. Worn-out hip joints are resurfaced rather than completely replaced. This bone-saving difference is important. Since a BHR patient’s hip anatomy is closer to normal, they enjoy increased stability and range of movement.
• Lets you return to high-impact sports – After traditional hip replacement, a person is advised to give up jogging, skiing and other high-impact sports—permanently—or risk dislocating or loosening the new hip. With BHR, you don't have to slow down. You can return to an active lifestyle.

Is it Safe?

BHR has been used since 1997, with more than 100,000 patients in 27 countries having the procedure. But it wasn’t until May 2006 that Birmingham Hip™ Resurfacing (BHR) won FDA approval in the U.S. However, the data below speak for themselves.

Australian Joint Registry. Published Figures

Australian Nation Joint Registry Annual Report 2006 (Clinical Results):
Resurfacing Hip systems requiring revision.

Resurfacing Head		Number Revised		Total Number		% Revised		Observed Component Years		Revisions per 100 Observed Component Years
ASR		18		503		3.6		446		4.0
Adept		0		19		0.0		3		0.0
BHR		126		5799		2.2		13487		0.9
Conserve Plus		2		48		4.2		82		2.4
Comnet 2000		14		333		4.2		649		2.2
Durom		12		423		2.8		451		2.7
Recap		2		41		4.9		41		4.9
Total		177		7205		2.5		15179		1.2