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Hip Resurfacing: An Alternative to Hip Replacement

A procedure called hip resurfacing enables surgeons to resurface the head of the femur (the thighbone) with a metal hip “joint” while leaving the rest of the femur intact. Resurfacing is an alternative to the removal of both the head and neck of the femur during traditional hip replacement surgery.

Learn more about hip resurfacing here.

Eligibility and Benefits of Hip Resurfacing

Active patients might be good candidates for hip resurfacing if they experience hip pain linked to degenerative hip disease and abnormalities such as osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis, may benefit from hip resurfacing. It is intended for active patients who are under 60 years of age who have good underlying bone quality and need a hip replacement.

Patients with osteoporosis, limb shortening more than one-half inch, severe hip deformity and prior hip surgery are not good candidates for hip resurfacing.

Potential advantages of hip resurfacing:

  • Remove of less bone than during traditional hip replacement
  • Increased stability
  • Decreased risk of hip dislocation
  • Expected long implant lifetime
  • Few, if any, physical limitations following surgery
  • Less bone loss over time
  • Faster recovery and quicker return to activity compared to total hip replacement

You and your surgeon will decide when the time is right for hip resurfacing surgery.

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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.