Hip Resurfacing:

Technique:

This is a procedure through which an arthritic hip is replaced to help alleviate pain from damaged cartilage and exposed bone underneath. Dr. Ahluwalia performs this procedure on younger more active patients. The most important advantage of this procedure over a Total Hip Arthroplasty is that minimal amount of the bone is cut. This allows for more aggressive activities not advised with a Total Hip Replacement. The diseased cartilage from the cup is removed and an artificial socket is put in its place. The diseased head (ball) is not cut but the diseased cartilage is removed and the head is capped with a metal shell. This is a more invasive surgery and is not recommended for older (>60 yrs) and less active patients who may have weaker bone.

What to Expect-Day of Surgery:

The average stay in the hospital is 2-4 days. It varies depending on each individual. The procedure takes 1-2 hours depending on the complexity. Usually spinal or general anesthesia is used. Your anesthesiologist will discuss this with you prior to the surgery. After the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will stay for approximately 1-2 hours till stable. You will then go to your room. You will start physical therapy typically the day of surgery if the surgery is early in the morning or the next day if the surgery is later in the day. Appropriate pain medicines are prescribed to make you comfortable.

What to Expect-After Surgery:

This is an inpatient surgery. The average stay in the hospital is 2-4 days. It varies depending on each individual. The procedure takes 1-2 hours depending on the complexity. Usually spinal or general anesthesia is used. Your anesthesiologist will discuss this with you prior to the surgery. After the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will stay for approximately 1-2 hours till stable. You will then go to your room. You will start physical therapy typically the day of surgery if the surgery is early in the morning or the next day if the surgery is later in the day. Appropriate pain medicines are prescribed to make you comfortable.