Mountain Home Surgeon Introduces Unique Alternative to Total Hip Replacement

Dr. Thomas E. Knox of Regional Orthopaedic Health Care in Mountain Home is among the first surgeons in this country – and one of only three in Arkansas - who have been trained in the remarkable new Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) technique. Rather than replacing the entire hip joint, as in a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing simply shaves and caps a few centimeters of bone within the joint.

The bone-conserving approach of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System preserves more of the patient’s natural bone structures and stability, covering the joint’s surfaces with an all-metal implant that more closely resembles a tooth cap than a hip implant. This approach reduces the post-operative risks of dislocation and inaccurate leg length, and because the all-metal implant is made from tough, smooth cobalt chrome, it has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants.

“This is one of the most exciting procedures I’ve seen in years,” explains Dr. Knox. “I see hip resurfacing as the ideal solution for many of my young, active patients who suffer from hip pain. As my patients are getting younger and younger, and are staying physically active much later in life, I’ve needed an alternative to total hip replacement that accommodates their age and lifestyle. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System is that alternative.”

The Birmingham Hip implant is intended for patients suffering from hip pain due to osteoarthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis, and for whom total hip replacement may not be appropriate due to their increased level of physical activity.

About the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing implant

While the BHR implant closely matches the size of a patient’s natural femoral head (hip ball), it is substantially larger than the femoral head of a traditional total hip replacement implant. This increased size translates to greater stability in the new joint, and it decreases the chance of dislocation of the implant after surgery. Dislocation is a leading cause of implant failure after total hip replacement.

Total hip replacement involves the removal of the entire femoral head and neck. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing technique, however, leaves the head and neck untouched. It is this neck length and angle that determines the natural length of a patient’s leg after surgery, and since it is not removed and replaced with an artificial device during the resurfacing procedure, there is a greater likelihood of maintaining accurate leg length.

The Birmingham Hip implant is an all-metal ball and socket joint. Traditional hip replacements use a metal ball and a plastic socket. As would be assumed, this plastic socket wears down over time, and may need to be replaced surgically. In fact, it is a leading cause of follow-up surgeries. All-metal total hip replacements reduce joint wear by 97 percent compared to total hip implants containing these plastic sockets.

For more information about the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System, contact: Regional Orthopaedic Health Care - Dr. Thomas E. Knox at (870) 424-3400 or 1-800-621-3218.

Birmingham Hip Resurfacing is a trademark of Smith & Nephew, Inc.