One of our group members just asked me why hip resurfacing is not more often recommended for Osteonecrosis (ON)of the femural head. A patient in her forties, she is very satisfied with her resurfaced hip and says that more people should ask about this procedure. It is my guess that it all depends on how much bone is affected by ON, the exact location of it, and the stage it is in. Could someone please comment on the guidelines/criteria for resurfacing?

Marie Shanahan ON/AVN Support Group Int'l, Founder/Director http://members.aol.com/MarieS1520/2bkn.html NONF, Director http://www.nonf.org

-- Marie Shanahan (AVNrie@aol.com), July 01, 2003

Answers

OK..let me try this question another way! What are the pros and cons of a hip resurfacing as compared to a total hip replacement?

Marie Shanahan

-- Marie Shanahan (AVNrie@aol.com), July 07, 2003.

Hip resurfacing does not have the long history of success that THR has. It is also a more difficult surgery and has a slightly higher complication rate. It does preserve bone on the femoral side but not on the acetabular side. Proponents claim that patients have higher range of motion and a more normal gait, but that is not substantiated.

-- Marc Hungerford, M.D. (mhunger@jhmi.edu), July 08, 2003.

Speaking as someone who underwent resurfacing in 2002, at age 50 years, I have nothing but praise for the outcome so far. I am totally pain free, and have regained a very good range of movement, plus returning to the active life that was denied me for the best part of ten years - if you would like further details please contact me.

-- Nicholas Fenton-Smith (nfsgravesend@aol.com), October 09, 2003.

Resurfacing is an excellent option for AVN. However there should be no neck involvement an the head component needs good support . I warn my patients before surgery that there could be a possibility they get an standard THR. K. Govaers MD Department of orthopaedic surgey Dendermonde Belgium

-- Kris Govaers (K. Govaers @skynet . be), December 01, 2003.

Tree years I have a BRH . My surgeon is the excellent Dr. Govaers from Dendermonde -Belgium.I was operated in july 2001 , so 3 years ago.

I do not have any problems .Please to assure you , I welcome to to

www.hip-clinic.com/en/html/post-op_taekwondo.html

Or in google : go to" resurfacing Govaers" ... and look to taekwondo FV 48 years .

After my research in Belgium , It was a clear matter that You will need surgeons, specialized in this matter, such as ( for sure ) doctor GOVAERS.

Frank Vanberghen Founder ITF Taekwondo Belgium

-- Frank Vanberghen (taekwon-do@pandora.be), August 15, 2004.