Birmingham Hip Resurfacing has FDA approval

"All I can say is... Wow! I flew out here from San Diego after researching hip resurfacing for a couple of years. I chose wisely." — Kent

Dr. Rogerson is among the first surgeons in this country and the first in Wisconsin to provide patients who suffer hip pain the remarkable new Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) technique. This alternative, which has been offered in Europe and other countries for more than a decade, finally won FDA approval in May 2006. It is the first FDA approved hip resurfacing system in the United States. Rather than replacing the entire hip joint, as in a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing simply shaves and caps a few centimeters of bone within the joint.

“This is one of the most exciting procedures I’ve seen in years,” explains Dr. Rogerson. "I see hip resurfacing as the ideal solution for many young, active patients who suffer from hip pain. We are seeing patients who, through either extremely physical work or leisure, develop arthritic hip pain. They don’t intend to slow down. BHR is an alternative to total hip replacement that accommodates both age and lifestyle. In the past, I’ve even encouraged patients to seek treatment in Belgium because I didn’t want them to have to wait any longer for this great option. Now they can be treated close to home." — Dr. Rogerson

The bone-conserving approach of hip resurfacing preserves more of the patient’s natural bone structures and stability, covering the joint’s surfaces with an all-metal implant that more closely resembles a tooth cap than a hip implant. This approach reduces the post-operative risks of dislocation and inaccurate leg length, and because the all-metal implant is made from tough, highly finished cobalt chrome, it has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants.

The Birmingham Hip implant is intended for patients suffering from hip pain due to osteoarthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis, and for whom total hip replacement may not be appropriate due to their increased level of physical activity. For this reason, most surgeons feel it will be ideal for patients under age 65 who live active lifestyles.