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Hip Resurfacing

An Alternative to Hip Replacement

Active patients suffering from hip pain due to degenerative hip disease and abnormalities such as osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis, may benefit from hip resurfacing. Unlike total hip replacement, this procedure resurfaces just a few centimeters of the bone, preserving the original joint, enabling individuals to return to high-demand occupations and recreational activities.

Hip Resurfacing vs. Hip Replacement

During traditional hip replacement surgery, both the head and neck of the femur (thighbone) are removed and replaced with metal or plastic implants. In hip resurfacing, the head of the femur is resurfaced with a metal hip "joint" and the rest of the thighbone is left intact.

Some implants used in traditional hip replacement surgery are smaller than the bone which they replace. Hip resurfacing was conceived as a way to more closely match the size of the head of the femur bone while potentially increasing stability and decreasing opportunity for dislocation, one of the most common complications of total hip replacement.

Benefits of Hip Resurfacing

All forms of hip replacement allow improved mobility; however, hip resurfacing more closely mimics the normal hip. After a total hip replacement, it is difficult to return to activities such as golf or tennis and only light activity is recommended. In comparison, after hip resurfacing, patients can often return to high levels of activity without complications.

Potential advantages of hip resurfacing:

  • Bone preservation (less bone removal)
  • Increased stability
  • Decreased risk of hip dislocation
  • OW wear rate with expected long implant lifetime
  • Few, if any, physical limitations on patients following surgery
  • Less bone loss over time (stress shielding)
  • Faster recovery

Hip resurfacing has certain advantages and disadvantages and is not for everyone. It is intended for active patients who are under 60 years of age and in need of a hip replacement. Adults over 60 who are living an active lifestyle may also be considered for this procedure, which is determined by a review of bone quality. Patients with osteoporosis, limb shortening more than one-half inch, severe hip deformity and prior hip surgery are not good candidates for hip resurfacing.