Modern hip replacement
Ceramic hip resurfacing – bone-preserving and metal-free
With ceramic hip resurfacing (often called a cap prosthesis), only the worn surface of the femoral head is replaced rather than the entire head. The femoral head and neck are preserved. Unlike older metal resurfacing prostheses, the cap and socket are made entirely of ceramic. At our clinic at University Medicine Greifswald, we perform ceramic hip resurfacing through the anterior, muscle-sparing approach.
What is hip resurfacing?
With a conventional hip replacement, the femoral head is removed and a stem is inserted into the thigh bone. With hip resurfacing, the femoral head is shaped just enough for a cap to fit over it. A matching socket is placed in the pelvis. This largely preserves your own thigh bone.
Why ceramic?
The first resurfacing prostheses were made of metal. Wear could release metal ions, potentially causing problems in the tissue. With ceramic hip resurfacing, ceramic glides on ceramic. No metal ions are released from the bearing, and ceramic has very low wear.
Who is suitable for ceramic hip resurfacing?
Ceramic hip resurfacing is particularly suitable for active patients with hip osteoarthritis who want to preserve as much bone as possible and return to sporting activity. Smaller hips, for example in women, and many deformities of the hip joint, such as those following hip dysplasia, are no longer necessarily an obstacle.
The shape and bone quality of the femoral head are decisive. We assess your X-rays to determine whether resurfacing is possible for you. If it is not, we offer a bone-preserving short-stem prosthesis through the same gentle approach.
The advantages at a glance
- Bone-preserving: the femoral head and neck are preserved
- Metal-free bearing: ceramic on ceramic, with no metal ions from the joint
- Natural biomechanics: your own head size and leg length are largely preserved
- Large head, high stability: a low risk of joint dislocation
- A good starting point for the future: if replacement is needed many years later, the full bone stock is still available
How the operation proceeds
We perform ceramic hip resurfacing through the anterior approach. We work through a natural gap between the muscles without detaching them. The operation takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
- Hospital stay: 3 to 5 days
- Standing up: usually on the day of the operation
- Aftercare: we determine weight-bearing and movement permissions individually and discuss them with you before the operation
Frequently asked questions about ceramic hip resurfacing
What is the difference between hip resurfacing and a conventional hip replacement?
Is this the same as the earlier metal cap prosthesis?
Am I suitable as a petite woman?
Is it possible after hip dysplasia?
Can I play sport again after hip resurfacing?
How long does the operation take?
How long will I be in hospital?
Which approach is used?
What happens if hip resurfacing is not possible for me?
Which documents do I need for an assessment?
Why Greifswald?
- Several thousand hip replacements personally implanted
- Ceramic hip resurfacing through the anterior, muscle-sparing approach
- Everything from one source: resurfacing, short-stem prostheses, robot-assisted joint replacement and revision surgery
- I am personally available for you before and after the operation
Contact
Would you like to know whether ceramic hip resurfacing is suitable for you? Write to me directly at georgi.wassilew@med.uni-greifswald.de. To make an appointment, contact the clinic at ortho@med.uni-greifswald.de.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Georgi WassilewDepartment of Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Rehabilitative MedicineUniversity Medicine Greifswald