Osteoarthritis in your hips can lead to stiff, painful joints that limit your mobility and daily activities. If you're having hip problems, but aren't ready for total hip replacement surgery, a hip resurfacing procedure may be right for you.
Hip resurfacing is typically reserved for active adults ages 55 and younger. In hip resurfacing, the head of your femur and socket are trimmed and capped with a metal alloy, preserving more of your natural bone than a traditional hip replacement. In a total hip replacement surgery., surgeons remove the entire femoral head and secure an artificial head onto a metal shaft inserted in the femur bone.
For more information about the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's hip resurfacing program, and to find out if you're a candidate for the procedure, follow these steps:
- Call (650) 853-2951 to schedule an appointment. If you are not already registered with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, call the new patient registration line at (888) 398-5677 before scheduling an appointment. Make sure to have your insurance information available when you call.
- Bring any recent X-rays or bone density exams to your first appointment. Your orthopedic surgeon may require more tests to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for hip resurfacing.
- Once you're deemed fit for the hip resurfacing procedure, schedule your surgery with Dr. James Hartford or Dr. John Lannin — our hip resurfacing specialists.
- In preparation for surgery, consider attending one of our educational classes. To register, call (650) 853-2951. We offer a full range of classes, including:
- A joint replacement class is held by Dr. Hartford at PAMF on the first Friday of every month.
- A total hip replacement class is held the first Wednesday of every month at Stanford University Hospital, which is available to PAMF patients.
- A gait training class is held every other Wednesday by the physical therapy department at PAMF. - About 30 days before your surgery, schedule a preoperative exam with your primary care doctor that includes blood tests and an EKG.
- Once you are cleared for surgery by your primary care physician, the next step is to prepare for your hospital stay. A typical hospital stay for hip resurfacing patients is two to three days. You will need to pack comfortable, slip-on shoes that have a back and comfortable clothes to wear during physical therapy sessions.
- After your hospitalization, you may have home physical therapy for one to two weeks. We will schedule a follow-up appointment with you seven to 10 days from the date of surgery to do a postoperative exam and make sure the incision is healing properly.
- Most people return to work after two to three weeks. We will see you again four to six weeks after surgery in order to take X-rays and monitor your progress. We will then see you again at your surgeon's request.