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Frequently Asked Questions
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BIRMINGHAM HIP QUICK LINKS: |
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Since
the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing implant is new in the United
States, is it clinically proven?
While the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing
implant is new to the United States, it is not a new implant
or technique. It 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.
Who is a candidate for the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing
System?
The typical patient will be physically
active, under 60 years of age, and suffering from hip
arthritis, hip dysplasia or avascular necrosis of the hip.
The implant can be used in patients over 60 whose bone
quality is strong enough to support the implant. Your
surgeon will make the determination if you are a candidate
for hip resurfacing.
How long will the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing implant
last?
It is impossible to say how long your
implant will last because so many factors play into the
lifespan of an implant. In the case of resurfacing, for
instance, the metal-on-metal bearing surfaces of your new
joint may extend its life longer than that of a traditional
total hip replacement, but failure to comply with your
physical rehabilitation regime may cause your implant to
fail within months. A clinical study showed the BIRMINGHAM
HIP Resurfacing implant had a survivorship of 98.4-percent
at the five-year mark, which is comparable with the
survivorship of a traditional total hip replacement in the
under-60 age group.
How long will my scar be?
Your surgeon will use an incision of
between six and eight inches in length. While some surgeons
may use a slightly smaller incision, most will fall in that
range.
What are my physical limitations after surgery?
Most surgeons will tell you that after
the first year, you can return to whatever physical activity
you enjoyed before hip pain limited your mobility. For
instance, unlike total hip replacement, you will be able to
return to jogging or singles tennis after your first year
after surgery. During your first year, more conservative,
low-impact activities like walking, swimming and bicycling
are recommended for strengthening your femoral neck and the
muscles around your resurfaced joint.
How can I receive more information about hip resurfacing
and the BIRMINGHAM HIP implant?
Ask your surgeon for BIRMINGHAM HIP
Resurfacing System patient information, or visit
www.BirminghamHipResurfacing.com.
For more information, please contact Lewiston Orthopaedic Associates
208.743.3523
320 Warner Drive, Lewiston, ID 83501
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. -
4:00 p.m.
*Trademark of Smith & Nephew. |