First Surgery in Florida July 2006
Dr. Stephen Raterman provides an alternative to total hip replacement surgery
Tampa, Fl. (July, 2006) – On Monday, June 19, 2006, Dr. Stephen Raterman of the Florida Medical Clinic in Tampa became the first orthopaedic surgeon in the state of Florida to perform the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System (BHR). “It is an honor to bring the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing technology to the state of Florida. My first surgery went like clock work and the patient is doing extremely well. BHR is an orthopaedic technology that has been needed for a while here in the states,” explains Raterman.
For years, patients have been traveling overseas to the UK, India, and even Australia to have the hip resurfacing procedure done. Hip resurfacing is a different approach in solving hip pain caused by osteoarthritis. Hip resurfacing simply shaves off a few centimeters of bone and then caps it with a metal devise. However, in total hip replacement, the entire hip joint is removed to stop the pain.
Hip resurfacing is not for everyone. Certain criteria are considered when deciding if a patient is a candidate. BHR is generally a solution for patients 65 years and younger, good bone density, and no major deformities to the femur or hip socket.
The Birmingham Hip’s bone-conserving approach preserves more of the patient’s natural bone structures and stability, covering the joint’s surfaces with an all-metal implant that more closely resembles a tooth cap than a hip implant. This approach reduces the post-operative risks of dislocation and inaccurate leg length, and, because the all-metal implant is made from tough, smooth cobalt chrome, it reduces joint wear by 97 percent. It also has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants.
“This is one of the most exciting procedures I’ve seen in years,” states Raterman. “I see hip resurfacing as the ideal solution for many young active people who suffer from hip pain. Because my patients are getting younger and younger and are staying physically active much later in life, I’ve needed an alternative to total hip replacement that accommodates their age and lifestyle. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System is that alternative.”
While the BHR implant closely matches the size of a patient’s natural femoral head (hip ball), it comes in 10 different sizes that help the procedure to accommodate all sizes of patients whether they are female or male.
“This increased size translates to greater stability in the new joint, and it decreases the chance of dislocation of the implant after surgery. Dislocation is a leading cause of implant failure after total hip replacement,” explains Raterman.
