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Overview of Hip Resurfacing Abroad: |
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts. |
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Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR), or Surface Replacement Anthroplasty, is a type of hip replacement which replaces the two surfaces of the hip joint and conserves more of the bone than a traditional total hip replacement (THR). This procedure is ideal for younger, more active patients, as a THR would likely wear out and need to be replaced in a younger person's lifetime. Birmingham Hip Resurfacing was introduced in 1997, so long term results are not yet available, but studies at this point indicate a longevity rate at least as long as a Total Hip Replacement. Hip Resurfacing has a higher success rate at the 5-10 year mark than THR.
In the procedure, the head of the femur is shaped to accept an anatomically sized metal sphere. The surface of the socket (the acetabulum) is also replaced with a metal implant, which fits directly into the bone. Because the original bones are preserved, any future surgeries that may be needed are facilitated.
Choosing to get a hip resurfacing surgery abroad through medical travel can be an excellent decision. The doctors in MedTrava's network are well trained in hip replacement surgeries and have substantial experience operating on international patients. |
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Candidates for hip resurfacing surgery: |
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Patients under age 55 or between ages 55-65 and very active |
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Good bone quality |
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Osteoarthritis |
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Rheumatoid arthritis |
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Not a candidate for hip resurfacing surgery: |
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Active or suspected infection in or about the hip joint |
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Poor bone quality which your surgeon feels could not support the implant |
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Deformed head of the femur or acetabulum |
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Multiple cysts |
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Any known allergy to metal (e.g., jewelry) |
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Extremely overweight (overload on device that would lead to failure) |
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Skeletal immaturity |
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Women in child-bearing years |
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Weak immune system due to disease or certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids) |
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Kidney failure |
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Symptoms of conditions which may be treated by Hip Resurfacing overseas: |
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts. |
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Osteoarthritis:
The first and most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the hip or groin area during weight-bearing activities like walking. The cartilage degenerates and the hip loses its flexibility and strength, which may lead to the formation of bone spurs. As the condition worsens, the pain may be present all the time, even during non weight-bearing activities.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
The primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to osteoarthritis and include pain, swelling and the loss of motion. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, fever, energy loss, anemia, and rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue under the skin). People with rheumatoid arthritis often have "flare ups" where multiple joints may be painful and stiff.
Developmental Dysplasia of the hip:
Developmental Dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is often diagnosed in the first year of life. Symptoms include diminished leg movement in the affected hip, shortening of the leg on the affected side, or asymmetry in leg positions.
Avascular Necrosis:
The most common symptom of AVN is hip pain, especially after standing or walking. |
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About Hip Resurfacing Surgery |
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts. |
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Hip Resurfacing consists of two parts: an acetabular component (or cup), and a femoral resurfacing component (or head). |
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Acetabular component: The cup is used to replace the damaged surface of your hip socket. |
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Femoral resurfacing component: This is used to cover the femoral head (the ball shaped part of your hip at the top of the thighbone). The head component features a small stem that is inserted into the top of your thighbone. |
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This procedure is also known as metal-on-metal hip resurfacing because the surfaces of the implants that rub against each other are made of cobalt chrome. The Cormet head is designed to swivel within the cup and against the highly polished resurfaced hip socket, which is also made of highly polished metal. Because the components are so highly polished, there is minimal friction and a longer life expectancy for the implants.
All components of the hip resurfacing implants have been tested thoroughly for safety and have a successful history of use. |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hip Resurfacing abroad |
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These FAQsare provided by Dr. Kaushal Malhan, a medical tourism orthopedic surgeon in MedTrava’s network |
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Preparing for Hip Resurfacing surgery abroad |
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts. |
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Before your departure for your medical travel surgery, your x-rays and complete medical history will be reviewed by your orthopedic surgeon. MedTrava will set up a conference call between you and your surgeon so you can discuss your specific issues and questions. After you arrive in the country where you will receive surgery, a new set of x-rays will be taken and your doctor will conduct a thorough in-person physical examination. The doctor will also go through you medical and surgical issues with you and answer any questions you might have. You may also be asked to consult with a physical therapist to discuss recovery, hip rehabilitation and important precautions you must take after your surgery. The physical therapist may give you exercises you can begin prior to your surgery in order to aid with recovery. |
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Getting your house ready before your surgery |
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts. |
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Before you leave for your hip resurfacing surgery overseas, it is important to get your house ready for your return from the hospital. At first it will be harder for you to move around, so arrange your furniture and household items ahead of time to make it easier for you during your rehabilitation. You will definitely want to remove any throw rugs or electrical cords that could cause you to trip, and you may want to install an elevated toilet seat or support bars in your bathroom before you leave for your medical tourism surgery. |
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Preparation for the hospital |
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Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pack and prepare for your medical tourism journey. |
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Clothing: |
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Getting dressed in the morning will help you feel better, so be sure to bring some comfortable, loose clothing to the hospital. |
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Shoes: |
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You may want to invest in a new pair of shoes to wear after your surgery. You will want to pick shoes that have a heel lower than one inch, and the shoe should be large enough to accommodate a swollen foot, as your foot may swell after surgery. |
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Day of surgery |
The anesthesiologist will see you the day prior to the surgery to review the medications and procedures that will be used during the surgery. On the day of the surgery, he will most likely administer a general anesthetic, which is preferred for BHR due a variety of technical reasons. Your vital signs will be taken, an IV will be inserted, and you will receive any necessary medications prior to the surgery. After the surgery, you will be in the recovery room for about 3 hours. When you awaken and your condition is stable, you will be moved into the wards.
On the day of the surgery, you should consume only liquids. You can progress to a normal diet the following morning. The medical team will give instructions on ankle pump exercises. |
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After surgery |
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts. |
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Pain is normal for the first 48 hours following any surgery, so powerful narcotics such as Tramadol are available for this pain if you request it. If you feel comfortable, you can start walking with a walker on the first post-op day. You will be coached in doing deep breathing exercises, static quadriceps and gluteal contraction exercises.
You will be outfitted with a pair of below-knee T.E.D. stockings to prevent blood from pooling in the veins of your legs and an x-ray will be taken. Some patients will receive blood-thinning injections if necessary. On the second post-op day, you will be able to start lying on the side that has not been operated on with a pillow in-between the thighs (not the knees or legs). You can also start sitting in a chair.
You will receive an instruction booklet on exercises you should complete in bed. In addition, you will walk short distances with the help of a walker and a physiotherapist for short distances, or for longer distances if it is comfortable. You should be able to walk with elbow crutches on the fourth or fifth post-op day. |
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After discharge |
Once you can climb stairs with the help of elbow crutches, you are ready for discharge. You will be fit to travel by car sitting in the front seat. |
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During the flight: |
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Carry a bottle of water to ensure adequate intake of fluids |
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You must wear your T.E.D. stockings during the flight |
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You should request an aisle or bulkhead seat and take a few steps in the corridor every half hour |
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Do the ankle pump exercises when seated |
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Life after Hip Resurfacing surgery abroad |
This information is provided by MedTrava, Medical Tourism experts |
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Once you are home from your medical travels, you will probably continue to use crutches for about 10-15 days. When you are comfortable, you can stop using the crutch on the side you were operated on, and then when the remaining crutch no longer seems necessary you can cease using that as well. You will be able to walk, climb stairs or bicycle for long periods of time. 12 days after the operation you will need to see a local doctor to remove your skin. The next follow-up visit is at 6 weeks to receive an x-ray to check on the healing process; you can either mail or email the x-ray to your surgeon. The subsequent required visit to the doctor is at 6 months post-op.
There are no post-op restrictions after a Hip Resurfacing operation and the patient can use it as a normal hip. However, the soft tissues around the hip joint that were contracted at the time of the hip disease will take time to relax after surgery. This means if you experience pain while attempting a certain activity like sitting on the floor, you are probably not ready for that particular activity. You can wait a week and then try it again. Activity level improves in a stepwise manner until the soft tissues become normal. Normal walking will resume by 4-6 weeks and you will probably be able to drive around 4-5 weeks after surgery. You will be ready for sports, including contact sports, at about 3 months post-op. |
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Useful Links: |
www.surfacehippy.com |
www.webmd.com |
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Cost of Treatment
For affordable Hip Resurfacing overseas, Register with MedTrava now or call 1.877.My.MedTrava. MedTrava is dedicated to connecting patients to world-class healthcare abroad at affordable prices. Click here to read testimonials of some of our patients who have received medical treatment abroad. |
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