Who is the right patient?
Clinical studies have shown that the BIRMINGHAM HIP is intended for younger or more active hip patients (2,11). These are patients that would typically do worse with a total hip than the average patient. Patients such as these often have better results with a resurfacing than the average hip patient.
Typical guidelines surgeons follow are males under 65 and females under 55. These ages were based upon bone quality and the results of clinical follow up. Very active people above these ages are often considered candidates, while people below these ages may be better treated with a total hip if they have other conditions that affect bone quality. Each surgeon establishes his own criteria, so discuss this with a surgeon who is trained in the technique.
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