Hip Resurfacing
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the US to offer a new alternative for total hip replacement – total hip resurfacing.
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Osteoarthritis is one of the most common ailments among Americans; nearly 1 in 4 persons have been diagnosed with this painful condition caused by wear and tear of the cartilage that lines the joints. The condition affects both men and women of all ages. In fact, more and more patients in their 40's and 50's have osteoarthritis.
Of the 40,000 men under the age of 65 with osteoarthritis, almost 90% say that osteoarthritis severely limits their activity, and prevents them from driving, doing chores, and engaging in athletic activities. Both men and women with osteoarthritis agree that this condition limits their ability to engage in the leisure activities they enjoy most, like gardening, or playing with their children or grandchildren.
What is Hip Resurfacing?
The gold standard for the treatment of disabling osteoarthritis of the hip is total hip replacement. Now,
Dr. William B. Macaulay, Director of the Center for Hip and Knee Replacement (CHKR) at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center is one of the first surgeons in the United States who is providing total hip resurfacing as a better alternative to standard total hip replacement for a special subset of his patients. This new procedure is intended for those suffering from osteoarthritis, dysplasia, or avascular necrosis (damage to bone due to insufficient blood supply), and for whom hip replacement is might not be appropriate because of their increased level of physical activity. Hip resurfacing can help hip osteoarthritis sufferers to regain their active lifestyles and return to normal activities. It is ideal for physically active patients under 65 who want to
stay physically active well into their 70's or longer.
The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) technique has been proven to be safe and effective, and has been used in over 60,000 patients in 27 countries. This method involves shaving a few centimeters of bone from the joint, then covering the bone with a tough, smooth cobalt chrome, which has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants.
Cobalt chrome covering for resurfaced femoral head.
Unlike traditional hip implants in which the head and neck of the femur (thigh bone) are replaced, with hip resurfacing only a few centimeters are shaved from the head of the femur, and the rest of the thigh bone remains untouched. This helps to ensure that the length of the affected leg will remain unchanged after the surgery. The implant used in hip resurfacing is also larger than the femoral head of a traditional hip implant. This larger head helps to make the the resurfaced hip more stable, and decreases the risk of post-surgical dislocation – a leading cause of hip implant failure.
About Dr. Macaulay
Dr. William Macaulay, who specializes in reconstructive surgery of the hip and knee, has been the Director of the CHKR at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center since 2001. He is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Advisory Dean for the College of Physicians Surgeons since 2005. Dr. Macaulay, the recipient of the 2004 British Traveling Fellowship sponsored by The Hip Society (the most elite group of American hip surgeons), has been performing hip resurfacings since 2000. Author of dozens of peer-reviewed publications regarding outcomes of hip and knee reconstructive surgery, Dr. Macaulay is a leader in training other orthopedic surgeons in this new, state-of-the-art technique.
