Hip Resurfacing

What is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to traditional total hip replacement that preserves more of the patient’s natural bone. Instead of removing the head of the femur (the ball of the hip) and replacing it with a stem and ball, resurfacing caps the femoral head with a smooth ceramic covering, while the socket is fitted with a matching ceramic cup. The patient’s own femoral head and neck are largely retained, rather than removed.

Because more native bone is preserved, resurfacing is sometimes considered for selected younger, active patients, where retaining bone stock may be advantageous over the longer term. It is, however, suitable only for a specific group of patients, and careful selection is important.

Who is Suitable?

Hip resurfacing is appropriate for a carefully selected subset of patients. Factors that influence suitability include:

• Younger, more active patients in whom preserving bone stock may be beneficial
• Good bone quality and adequate bone size
• The nature and extent of the hip disease
• Individual anatomical factors

Resurfacing is not suitable for everyone, and there are specific patient groups for whom it is not recommended. The most appropriate option — whether resurfacing or a conventional hip replacement — will be discussed with you based on your individual circumstances.

The Procedure

The damaged surface of the femoral head is reshaped and capped with a ceramic covering rather than removed, and the socket is fitted with a matching metal component. The bearing surfaces are ceramic-on-ceramic. Surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia. Because the femoral head and neck are preserved, resurfacing can leave more options available should further surgery be required in the future.

Benefits and Considerations

Potential advantages in suitable patients include:

• Preservation of more of the natural bone, particularly the femoral head and neck
• Potentially more straightforward future surgery, given the preserved bone stock
• A stable joint that may suit higher-demand activity in appropriate patients

Considerations include that resurfacing uses a metal-on-metal bearing, is suitable only for selected patients, and requires careful assessment. These factors, and how they apply to you, will be discussed at your consultation.

Recovery

Recovery follows the general principles of hip surgery, with early mobilisation and a structured rehabilitation programme to restore strength, movement, and function. Your specific recovery plan will be tailored to your circumstances and progress.

Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, hip resurfacing carries risks, including:

• Infection
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• Bleeding
• Fracture of the femoral neck
• Dislocation
• Issues related to the metal-on-metal bearing
• Loosening or the need for further surgery over time
• Injury to adjacent nerves or blood vessels

All relevant risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is hip resurfacing different from a total hip replacement?

In a total hip replacement, the femoral head is removed and replaced with a stem and ball. In resurfacing, the femoral head is reshaped and capped rather than removed, preserving more of the natural bone. The socket is resurfaced in both. Resurfacing is suitable only for selected patients.

Who is hip resurfacing suitable for?

Resurfacing is generally considered for a selected group of younger, more active patients with good bone quality and suitable anatomy. It is not appropriate for everyone, and careful assessment determines whether it or a conventional hip replacement is the better option for you.

Why might preserving bone matter?

Preserving the femoral head and neck retains more of the natural bone, which may leave more options available should further surgery be needed in the future. Whether this potential advantage applies to you depends on your individual circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended as general patient education and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient is different, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your individual circumstances, health history, and imaging. Outcomes from surgery vary between patients and cannot be guaranteed. If you have concerns about your hip health or are considering surgery, please contact Dr Slattery’s rooms to arrange a consultation.