Procedure may reduce risk of hip replacement lawsuit

Coldwater, MISome medical professionals have recently looked at a new type of surgery that may reduce the amount of hip replacement implant failures.

Dr. Richard Hartman, who has a practice in Michigan, told the Battle Creek Enquirer, that he is one of the only surgeons in the U.S. who has been trained in a new technique that is an alternative to the traditional hip replacement surgery.

It's known as the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing technique and involves shaving a few centimeters of bone within the joint. The doctor says that the procedure may be ideal for younger patients who suffer from hip pain.

"As 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," Hartman said.

In the past, hip replacement lawsuits have been filed by some patients regarding the implantable devices breaking apart after surgery and getting lodged in a person's hip or knee joint. Those who have experienced this have had to get a second surgery to repair the problem.