Hip Resurfacing Surgery

Hip Replacement Surgery or Hip Resurfacing may be indicated when conservative treatments fail for hip arthritis.  The figure below compares a normal hip to a hip with severe arthritis.

With Total Hip Replacement, the entire femoral head is removed.  A new ball and socket is placed.  The new hip ball is attached to a stem which gets machined inside the hip bone.  Hip Replacements can wear out over time.  The average hip replacement traditionally lasts 15-20 years, but younger patients can wear it out much sooner.  If the hip replacement wears out, more bone may need to be removed to revise it. 

Alternatively, a Hip Resurfacing is bone conserving.  Instead of cutting the ball off, it is just "capped" with metal.  The longevity of Hip Resurfacings is very promising, especially in the younger patients who prematurely wear out their hip replacements.   If the Hip Resurfacing ever wears out it can be changed to a first time Hip Replacement.

Hip Resurfacing Surgery is typically indicated for treatment of hip arthritis in patients under 60 or in more active older patients.  Visit your surgeon to see if you may be a Resurfacing candidate! 

The pictures below show the difference between Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing Surgeries.

Click Here to Return to the Home Page