When did you complete your BHR
training?
In 2006 before the US release. I originally learned hip
resurfacing from Dr. Townley in the 1980's.
How many BHR resurfacings have
you performed?
I have performed approximately 1200 hip resurfacing
procedures. I perform BHR resurfacing procedures every week
and offer both the BHR and C+ options.
Will you replace the hip joint
during surgery?
No. Your joint will be resurfaced. The old term is still
often used but almost all your bone is kept and only the
damaged surface is replaced.
Which Hospital will be used?
The Swedish Orthopedic Institute
How long will I be in the hospital?
Surgery on first Day. One or two days to recover before
going home.
What is the risk of infection?
This is less than 1%
Will I need a blood transfusion?
Rarely is this necessary anymore
How long will I be in bed after surgery?
Just a matter of hours as the effects of anesthesia wear
off. You can use your new joint right away.
How long will I be away from work?
For sedentary jobs just a couple weekds. For heavy
work 4 to 6 weeks is recommended.
Will my new joint last as long as I do?
In the vast majority of cases the answer is yes.
Will my hip come out of joint after a resurfacing
procedure?
There is a very small chance this could occur and only
with an unusual movement or injury.
Can I play sports after a joint resurfacing procedure?
Yes. All but contact sports are allowed and encouraged.
View more Frequently Asked Questions by clicking here
Common Concerns after Hip Resurfacing by Dr. Pritchett:
1. Fever: Most patients run a fever at first after
hip resurfacing. We think this
is from the release of cytokines (pyrogens) from drilling
into the femur.
Rarely is the fever a sign of infection or other serious
complication. The
usual pattern is for the temperature to rise later in the
day or evening. The
fever goes away within a few days.
2. Swelling: Most patients have significant thigh
swelling after hip
resurfacing. This is from dislocation the hip and often is a
major
inconvenience. It does not come on immediately following
surgery but
usually within the first several days. Ice, massage and
elevation seem to
help.
3. Wound Drainage: There often is drainage from
the incision. At first this is
blood but later it is just the serum, which is more yellow.
Sometimes this
occurs several days following surgery. If there is
significant redness with
this we should examine the incision for the possibility of
infection although
this is rare.
4. Muscle Spasm: Many patients are surprised that
the major muscle pain is
not in incisional area but rather in the thigh. This can be
a major
inconvenience but does gradually subside. Exercise, massage
and ice can
all help.
