What is Hip Resurfacing?

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint where the femoral head fits into the acetabulum of the pelvic bone.

Hip resurfacing is a surgical procedure that can treat damage to the hip bones. During the procedure, the damaged parts of the femoral head are trimmed, and the socket is removed and replaced with metal caps. This technique is an alternative to total hip replacement surgery where both the ball and socket of the hip joint are completely removed and replaced with plastic, metal, or ceramic prosthetics.

Indications and contraindications

If you have severe hip arthritis and conservative treatment options such as medication, injections, and physical therapy have not relieved your symptoms, your surgeon may suggest hip resurfacing surgery to improve your quality of life. This surgery is more suitable for younger patients with larger frames and strong, healthy bones.

However, if you have metal hypersensitivity, osteoporosis, impaired kidney function, or large areas of dead bone (avascular necrosis), hip resurfacing surgery is not recommended.

Surgical procedure

Hip resurfacing surgery is a medical procedure that is typically performed with the patient under spinal or general anesthesia. During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision over the patient’s thigh to access the hip joint. The femoral head will be then removed and trimmed of any damage using special instruments. Next, a metal cap will be fitted over the femoral head. The damaged bone and cartilage lining the socket will be removed, and a metal cup will be placed. Finally, the femoral head will be repositioned into the socket, and the incision will be closed.

Hip resurfacing is a surgical procedure that offers certain advantages over total hip replacement. The main advantages include:

• Easier to revise: Both procedures require replacement of components over time due to wear, loosening, or failure. However, hip resurfacing involves less removal of bone, making revision surgery easier to perform.
• Lower risk of hip dislocation: As the ball size in hip resurfacing is larger and closer to the normal size, the risk of hip dislocation is lower.
• More natural walking pattern: Hip resurfacing results in a more natural walking pattern and greater range of hip motion.

However, there are also certain disadvantages associated with hip resurfacing, including:

• Femoral neck fracture: There is a risk of femoral neck fracture with hip resurfacing, which may require a total hip replacement.
• Metal ion risk: Movement of the metal ball against the metal socket may produce tiny metal particles or ions, which can cause an allergic reaction, leading to pain and swelling.
• Difficulty: Hip resurfacing is a more difficult procedure to perform, requiring a larger incision.

Like any surgery, hip resurfacing carries some risks and complications, such as:

• Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels
• Infection
• Femoral neck fracture
• Dislocation