McMinn’s Birmingham Hip Resurfacing: general information

In contrast to conventional methods, the femoral head (ball joint of the hip) is not removed during resurfacing. Instead, it is only modified enough so that it can be resurfaced with a metal cap, not unlike the process used to make dental crowns. In addition, the acetabular socket (the cup socket of the hip) is also lined with a thin-walled metal shell. This method means that only the worn surface where the joint articulates is replaced and not the entire joint.

This implant was developed by Derek McMinn, Director of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham. Resurfacing is the most important advance in joint endoprosthetics in the last 15 years. What makes this form of prosthetic truly revolutionary is the extremely precise fit to the patient’s actual anatomy.

Next: The advantages of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing