Alternative To Hip Replacement Surgery GrowsIn Popularity (NAPSA)—People who feel like they’re much too young—and too physically active—to be suffering from arthritis pain probably also feel they’re too young for a hip replacement. Thanks to a new technology, they may have otheroptions. than ever in determining which anatomic option is right for the patient,” said Stulberg. The hip resurfacing technique was introduced internationally in 1997 by Corin, the company that pioneered the modern development of this technology. Stryker Corporation, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, is now bringing the resurfacing technology to the U.S. Hip resurfacing is not for everyone. It’s most appropriate for With more than 43 million suf- fering from arthritis, hip replacements have been a commonprocedure—but a new approach to dealing with constant hip pain mayoffer a better solution. An alternative to hip replace- younger, more active patients with: ment surgery—known as hip resurfacing—is attracting a lot of attention because it conserves more bone, minimizes risk of dis- location and allows patients to resume manyofthe activities they enjoy without constanthip pain. In this innovative process, the end of the thighbone, or femur, is capped with a metal covering—a strong cobalt chromium metal— much the same way a tooth is capped. The covering fits neatly into a metal cup that sits in the hip socket. Because the head of the femur is simply reshaped and resurfaced in this technique—rather than removed—patients have more of their natural bone preserved. Should the device need replacing at sometimein the future, this may provide better options for the surgeon at that time, as a conven- tional total hip replacement can typically be used, making it an attractive option for younger and more active osteoarthritis patients. Hip resurfacing: A newtreatment for younger, more active patients. “Hip resurfacing offers the right patient a more conservative bone-preserving procedure than traditional hip replacement. The anatomic nature of these devices enables certain younger, more active patients to get back to most of the activities that are impor- tant to them,” said Bernard Stulberg, M.D., Cleveland Center for Joint Reconstruction. Patients should discuss their physical activity levels, body type, disease stage and lifestyle with their doctor to help determine the best treatment. “The dialogue between surgeon and patient will be more critical * good bone quality * osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis Hip resurfacing is not recommended for patients with these conditions: * an active or suspected infection in or about the hip joint * poor bone quality, which could not support the implant * multiple cysts any knownallergy to metal * extreme overweight (over- load on device that would lead to failure) skeletal immaturity * womenin childbearing years * weak immune system due to disease or certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids) kidney failure Your orthopaedic surgeon is the only person who can advise you if hip resurfacingis right for you. For hip resurfacing indications, contraindications and risk information, visit www.aboutstryker.com or call (888) STRYKER.
