New Alternative to Total Hip Replacement Now Available!

Now, there's a new option for active patients suffering from hip pain available at Pekin Hospital. In fact, Donald Mitzelfelt, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Pekin Orthopedic Center, is only one of a handful of surgeons in Illinois to offer an alternative to total hip replacement - the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System. Manufactured by Smith & Nephew Inc. of Memphis, this innovative technique has been approved by the FDA and used successfully for years in Europe and Australia.

What's Involved
Rather than the traditional hip implant, the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure allows the surgeon to shave and cap a few centimeters of bone with an all-metal implant that more closely resembles a tooth cap.

Safer, Longer Lasting
Hip resurfacing preserves more of the patient's natural bone structures and stability, thereby reducing post-operative risks of dislocation and inaccurate leg length. Plus, the all-metal implant is made from durable, smooth cobalt chrome, which has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants. "Hip resurfacing is ideal for many of my young, active patients who suffer from hip pain, but aren't ready to give up their active lifestyles," says Dr. Mitzelfelt. "There are patients with resurfaced hips that are able to return to their active, pre-arthritic lifestyles. And, in most cases, they are able to resume their activities faster and with less pain than if they had total hip replacement."

The Difference
Total hip replacement involves the removal of the entire femoral head and neck. The hip resurfacing technique, however, leaves the head and neck untouched. It is this neck length and angle that determines the natural length of a patient's leg after surgery. Since it is not removed and replaced with an artificial device during the resurfacing procedure, there is a greater likelihood of maintaining accurate leg length.

While the implant closely matches the size of a patient's natural femoral head (hip ball), it is substantially larger than the femoral head of a traditional total hip replacement implant. This increased size translates to greater stability in the new joint, and it decreases the chance of dislocation of the implant after surgery. Dislocation is a leading cause of implant failure after total hip replacement.

The Birmingham Hip implant is an all-metal ball and socket joint, whereas traditional hip replacements use a metal ball and a plastic socket. This plastic socket can wear down over time and require surgical replacement. In fact, it is a leading cause of follow-up surgeries.

For more information about hip resurfacing and Dr. Mitzelfelt, please call (309) 353-4159.