Orthopedics

Spectrum Health Among First in Michigan to Offer New Hip Surgery

Spectrum Health along with Orthopedic Associates of Grand Rapids physician Thomas Malvitz, M.D., are among the first in Michigan to offer an alternative to hip replacement. Birmingham Hip ResurfacingTM (BHR) is offered at the Center for Joint Replacement at the Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus. Instead of a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing simply shaves and caps a few centimeters of bone within the joint.

“Hip resurfacing may be an ideal alternative for younger, active patients,” said Thomas Malvitz, M.D., Orthopedic Department chairman, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids and physician with Orthopedic Associates of Grand Rapids. “The procedure enables patients to be free from pain but not as limited in their mobility and activity level as a conventional hip replacement.”

The bone-conserving approach of the BHR preserves more of the patient’s natural bone structure and stability. It covers 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.’ The all-metal implant is made from tough, smooth cobalt chrome and has the potential to last longer than traditional hip implants.

“While the BHR implant closely matches the size of a patient’s natural femoral head or ball, it is substantially larger than the femoral head of a traditional total hip replacement implant,” added Malvitz. “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.”

Total hip replacement involves the removal of the entire femoral head and neck. The BHR technique leaves the head and neck untouched. The neck length and angle determine the natural length of a patient’s leg after surgery, and since it is not removed and replaced with an artificial device during the resurfacing procedure, there is greater likelihood of maintaining accurate leg length.’ “The best candidate for the BHR technique is the younger, active patient that will likely need another replacement in their lifetime.’ By preserving the patient’s native femoral head and neck, the second or revision replacement can be done with primary or standard implants.”
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The BHR resurfacing technique was approved for use in the U.S. in May, 2006.’The first patient underwent hip resurfacing at Spectrum Health in October 2006.’ Gregory Golladay, M.D. of Orthopedic Associates of Grand Rapids is also trained in the BHR procedure.

Orthopedic Associates of Grand Rapids was established in 1935 and offers world class comprehensive orthopedic care at four locations in west Michigan.’Orthopedic Associates is the largest orthopedic provider in Michigan with 25 physicians and over 200 employees focusing on the following Specialty Centers:’ Foot & Ankle, Joint Replacement & Revision, Orthopedic Oncology, Pediatric & Adolescent Orthopedics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Spine, Sports Medicine and Trauma Care.’Orthopedic Associates also offers many on-site services for patient convenience including outpatient surgery and MRI.’For more information, please visit www.oagr.com.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through its seven hospitals, more than 140 service sites and 460,000-member health plan, Priority Health.’Spectrum Health’s 13,000 employees, 1,400 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need.’The organization provided more than $100 million in community benefit during its 2006 fiscal year. Spectrum Health has earned numerous national awards including being ranked in Verispan’s listing of top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks.