Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Links

Dr. Mark Gillespy has been trained by Smith Nephew to perform a hip resurfacing arthroplasty using the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System. Most doctors perform total hip replacements, where as this is a different procedure that is being offered in the medical treatment of hip arthritis. Please click on the links below for more information:

Read the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System Patient Brochure (.pdf)





More Information about the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System:

BIRMINGHAM Hip Resurfacing
Who is a Candidate for Hip Resurfacing?
Diseases of the Hip
Non-surgical Alternatives to Hip Resurfacing
The Procedure
The Implant
Hip Resurfacing: Pre-op & Surgery Day
Hip Rehabilitation After Surgery
Preventing Hip Resurfacing Complications
Frequently Asked Questions





Movies about the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System:

  An Introduction to the BHR System
  Conditions of Hip Resurfacing
  Anatomy of Hip Resurfacing
  Treatment Options
  Implant Design
  Bearing Surfaces
  Surgery
  Bone Conservation
  Frequently Asked Questions
  In Conclusion




Virtual Hip Resurfacing Activity
Take on the role of the Surgeon throughout a hip resurfacing surgery



Articles By Dr. Mark Gillespy
Click on the links below to see each topic:

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System



 

Birmingham Hip Resurfacing - Preventing Hip Resurfacing Complications

As with any major surgical procedure, post-operative complications can occur following hip resurfacing surgery. Below is a list of some of the more common complications that can occur after hip resurfacing surgery. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive.


Thromboembolism
This condition, which includes two interrelated conditions—deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism—occurs when blood clots are formed in the large veins of the legs. In some cases, these clots can become dislodged from the veins, travel through the circulatory system, and become stuck in the critical arteries of the lungs. This scenario, called a pulmonary embolism, is a serious medical condition.

The following steps may be taken by you and your physician to avoid or prevent thrombois:

1. Blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants, aspirin)
2. Elastic stockings (TED hose)
3. Foot elevation to prevent swelling
4. Foot and ankle exercises to optimize blood flow.
5. Pneumatic devices placed on the feet to improve circulation.

IMPORTANT: If you develop swelling, redness, pain and/or tenderness in the calf muscle, report these symptoms immediately to your physician.


Infection
Infections occur in a small percentage of patients undergoing hip resurfacing surgery. Unfortunately, infections can occur even when every effort is made to prevent them.

The following steps may help to minimize the risk of post-operative infections:

Closely monitor the incision and immediately report signs of redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage, foul odor, increasing pain or persistent fever.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your incision site, especially when the sutures are still in place.


Pneumonia
A possible side effect of surgery is the development of pneumonia.

The following steps may help minimize this risk:

Deep breathing exercises: A simple analogy to illustrate proper deep breathing is to: “smell the roses...and blow out the candles.” In other words, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth at a slow and controlled rate. A simple rule of thumb may be to perform these deep breathing exercises 8-10 times every waking hour.

Coughing: This activity helps to loosen the secretions in your lungs and excrete them from your pulmonary system.

Incentive spirometer: This simple device provides visual feedback while performing deep breathing exercises. Your nurse or respiratory therapist will demonstrate the proper technique.