Birmingham Hip Resurfacing

Overview — What is Birmingham Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing has been in use worldwide since 1997, and the US Food and Drug Administration reviewed a tremendous amount of resulting clinical data before approving it for use in this country in 2006. Dr. Stewart has been performing Birmingham hip resurfacings since 2007, totaling nearly two decades of experience.

Unlike a total hip replacement, which requires the removal of the femoral head and the insertion of a hip stem down the shaft of the femur, hip resurfacing preserves the femoral head and the femoral neck. During the procedure, Dr. Stewart removes only a few centimeters of bone around the femoral head, shaping it to fit tightly inside the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing implant. This bone conserving approach may be particularly valuable for younger, more active patients who may outlive a traditional hip replacement and face a revision surgery later in life.

A clinical study showed the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing implant had a survivorship of 98.4% at the five year mark, which is comparable with the survivorship of a traditional total hip replacement in the under-60 age group.

Conditions That May Indicate the Need for Resurfacing:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip
• Avascular necrosis

Dr. Stewart will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing.

Candidacy — Who Is a Good Candidate?

Hip resurfacing is intended for young, active adults who are under 60 years of age most being under 50 years of age and in need of a hip replacement. Adults over 60 who are living non-sedentary lifestyles may also be considered for this procedure, however, this can only be further determined by a review of your bone quality. Dr. Stewart will review your imaging and health history to determine candidacy.

Recovery Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions