BCHS surgeon to discuss osteoarthritis
and hip resurfacing as a new surgical option
 Osteoarthritis of the hip is a disease, which wears away the cartilage between two bones when they scrape against each other, raw bone on raw bone. When this happens, the joint becomes pitted, eroded, and uneven. The result is pain, stiffness, and instability, and in some cases, motion of the leg may be greatly restricted.
Patients with osteoarthritis often develop large bone spurs, or osteophytes, around the joint, further limiting motion.
Dr. Joseph Burkhardt, an orthopaedic surgeon at Battle Creek Health System with special interest in sports medicine and joint reconstruction will speak on the topic of osteoarthritis and 'hip resurfacing - a new surgical option' on Wednesday, January 23 at Burnham Brook Senior Center. Senior Health Partners presents the program as part of its 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public.
A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Burkhardt's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling Senior Health Partners at (269) 441-0948.
Osteoarthritis is a common, degenerative disease, and although it most often occurs in patients over the age of 50, it can occur at any age, especially if the joint is in some way damaged.
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition commonly referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis. Although the degenerative process may accelerate in persons with a previous hip injury, many cases of osteoarthritis occur when the hip simply wears out. Some experts believe there may exist a genetic predisposition in people who develop osteoarthritis of the hip. Abnormalities of the hip due to previous fractures or childhood disorders may also lead to a degenerative hip. Osteoarthritis of the hip is the most common cause for both total hip replacement and hip resurfacing.
Conventional total hip replacement is a very successful procedure for the treatment of hip arthritis. The purpose of total hip replacement is to remove the two damaged and worn parts of the hip joint - the hip socket (acetabulum) and the ball (femoral head) - and replace them with smooth, artificial implants called prostheses, which help make the hip strong, stable, and flexible again.
For younger, more active people needing a hip replacement, there is a chance that a traditional hip replacement will wear out during their lifetime and need to be replaced again - a second replacement (revision) is much more difficult and consequently may last a shorter time than the original replacement. The hip resurfacing procedure provides an alternative surgical treatment option versus the total joint replacement procedure.
Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement, which replaces the two surfaces of the hip joint. The procedure is very bone conserving as the head of the femur is retained. Instead of removing the head completely, it is shaped to accept an anatomically sized metal sphere. There is no large stem to go down the central part of the femur and the surface of the acetabulum (the socket) is also replaced with a metal implant, which is pressed and fit directly into the bone.
The resurfacing components are made of cobalt chrome, which is finely machined to produce a very high quality surface with a low friction finish, hence low wear. Although hip resurfacing is a relatively new procedure, it holds great promise for the younger more active person as it permits a full return to normal activity.
Dr. Burkhardt will discuss the various aspects related to osteoarthritis during this program such as potential causes, and the various treatment options a person can explore, including the newer approaches of the non-surgical and surgical treatments such as hip resurfacing.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://www.burnhambrook.com , or call (269) 441-0948.
About the Presenter:
Joseph Burkhardt, D.O. is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon received his medical degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Burkhardt completed his osteopathic rotating internship and orthopaedic surgery residency from Michigan State University at the Garden City Hospital Campus.
He was awarded a fellowship in reconstruction (sports and joint replacement) at the University of Southern Florida through the Florida Knee and Orthopaedic Centers.
Dr. Burkhardt is affiliated with the practice of Great Lakes Bone & Joint Center in Battle Creek, which includes Daniel Garcia, M.D., Christina Sheely, D.O., and Robert Thomas, M.D.
More News |
