Summary

• Conventional total hip replacement has failed the young active adult.The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing addresses this difficult patient group.
• We have shown that the femoral head remains viable after hip resurfacing.
• Femoral neck fracture is a rare occurrence and in our experience has only occurred in the presence of poor bone quality.
• Femoral head fixation with cement has been shown by us and others to be extremely durable.
• We have seen early and extensive ingrowth into the hydroxyapatite coated Porocast^* socket.
• It has been shown that thick film lubrication is possible in these large headed metal on metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty bearings.
• We have observed no wear on retrieved Birmingham Hip Resurfacing bearings.
• We have measured low blood metal ion levels in a highly active group of patients fitted with the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing.
• We have measured low frictional torque in these Birmingham Hip Resurfacing bearings on a realistic loading pendulum apparatus.
• In 1,839 metal metal hip resurfacings performed between Feb 1991 and Dec 1999 no dislocations have occurred.
• We have treated a young active patient group with arthritic hips when they needed their treatment most, allowing them to return to work.
• Patients have achieved excellent functional results after this procedure with many participating in recreational sport allowing the health gain associated with activity.
• In this young and active population we have seen in our 1,720 hybrid hip resurfacings in the Birmingham series an overall 99% success rate and in our longest followups we have a 98% survivorship at 5 - 6 years.