Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

In 2006, the hip resurfacing procedure became available in the United States. Since that time, some physicians have aggressively promoted the procedure because it supposedly allows for better and quicker return to normal activities and should last longer than the 15-20 year life span of normal hip replacements. Thus, the procedure is best for patients who are younger and physically active, have strong bones, and are expected to live longer than the lifespan of a traditional hip replacement. (New York Times, 11/8/2008)

However, hip resurfacing is “typically more difficult to perform than replacing the total joint. In general, surgeons say, resurfacings can take longer and require bigger incisions than hip replacements.” (Wall Street Journal, 6/4) Moreover, women who receive the hip resurfacing procedure seem to be at a greater risk for failure. Researches found that “five years after surgery, 5.2% of women under 55 with a resurfacing had undergone a second, corrective operation.”

On the other hand, only “3.6% of women in that age group needed a second operation after getting a full hip replacement.” Corrective surgeries are necessary when resurfacing causes the “femoral neck – a piece of bone surgeons retain in resurfacing but replace in a full hip replacement” to fracture. Women can be at greater risk due to their generally smaller frames, and lower bone densities.

Many studies have been performed and others are currently underway. The most consistent results include the finding that the overall functional outcomes of hip resurfacings and hip replacements appear to be very similar. Only in the studies where participants get to choose the procedure do results show that those who receive hip resurfacings appear to be more active, which is likely reflective of the fact that they were more active originally.

In the United States last year, resurfacing accounted for no more than 3.5% of the 430,000 hip replacements that occurred, but the number of new resurfacing patients this year is expected to increase by 40 to 50 percent, according to the consulting firm Millennium Research Group (NYT).

When considering any surgical procedure it is important to discuss and consider all of the risks with your physician. If you have been injured because you were not informed of the risks associated with a surgical procedure, you should contact a medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your case.