Hip resurfacing option

If you have arthritis in your hips but still have healthy bone stock, you are most likely a candidate for hip resurfacing. However, most doctors in the United States cannot offer the choice because the FDA has not approved hip-resurfacing devices. The procedure is available at a few research centers, where the FDA is conducting studies. Even if you were to go to one of these centers, hip resurfacing is not covered by most insurance companies, so the cost can be prohibitive.

U.S. patients are discovering the best option is to go to countries where hip resurfacing has a proven record of success. My husband and I have just returned from India, where I received excellent care from Dr. Bose, his surgery team and the hospital staff. Now that I have a Birmingham Hip Replacement, I have no hip pain and at four weeks post-op I am well on my way to getting back to the activities I love - mountain biking, skiing and hiking. Before the trip I did extensive internet research including two hip-resurfacing Yahoo discussion groups. On March 9, there is a special interview with Dr. Bose and some of his patients on the NBC Today Show. If this is a problem for you, learn about your options to get back to being pain-free and doing the activities you love.

Carol Wright

Nevada City