Early clinical experience with the use of the Birmingham hip resurfacing system.

This study reviews the early clinical experience with the Birmingham Hip resurfacing system (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn) in the United States since its approval by the FDA. A total of 230 patients were followed for a mean of 16 months (range, 6 months). There was a significant improvement in the mean preoperative Oxford hip score at the latest follow-up (44 points [range, 30-58 points] to 17 points [range, 12-28 points]). The most commonly used femoral component was 50 mm, and the mean duration of the procedures was 95 minutes (range, 65-180 min). there were 3 revisions (1.3%). Early results are favorable. As with any device, there is a continuing need for longterm monitoring and large-scale epidemiologic surveillance.