
Bone-Preserving Hip Arthritis Surgery
Hip resurfacing treats selected cases of hip arthritis by reshaping the femoral head and placing a cap over it rather than removing the full femoral head and neck as in total hip replacement. The socket is also resurfaced with an implant component.
The procedure is not a generic replacement for every arthritic hip. Candidacy depends on bone quality, femoral head shape, implant sizing, arthritis pattern, activity goals, kidney function, metal sensitivity considerations, and whether there is deformity or bone loss. The main surgical-intent question is whether preserving femoral bone provides a meaningful advantage for the individual patient compared with modern total hip replacement.
Mountain Spine & Orthopedics evaluates hip resurfacing candidates with X-rays, MRI or CT when needed, medical history, and a candid discussion of benefits, risks, and alternatives. PPO Insurance Accepted.
Explore Hip Conditions & Treatments
View all hip conditions and treatment options →Ideal Candidates for Hip Resurfacing
- Carefully selected active patients with hip arthritis
- Patients whose bone quality and anatomy make resurfacing technically appropriate
- Patients with good bone quality and appropriate anatomy
- Those who want to preserve bone for potential future procedures
- Selected patients with avascular necrosis before advanced collapse, when imaging supports candidacy
- Individuals without significant bone loss or deformity
- Those who understand the risks and benefits compared to total hip replacement
What Conditions does Hip Resurfacing Surgery Help Ease?
This procedure may help with:
How Hip Resurfacing is Performed
- An incision is made to access the hip joint (typically posterior approach)
- The femoral head is reshaped using specialized instruments to create a smooth surface
- A metal cap is precisely fitted over the reshaped femoral head
- The hip socket (acetabulum) is prepared and a metal shell is implanted
- The components are tested to ensure proper fit and range of motion
- The hip is closed and the patient begins immediate rehabilitation
Benefits of Hip Resurfacing Surgery
- Preserves more natural bone than total hip replacement
- May support higher activity goals in carefully selected patients
- Potentially easier revision surgery if needed in the future
- Maintains more natural hip biomechanics
- Can be considered when anatomy and bone quality are favorable
- Provides an alternative to total hip replacement for select surgical candidates
Recovery and Return to Activity
Recovery from hip resurfacing is planned around bone healing, implant stability, gait, strength, and surgeon-specific precautions. Many early milestones overlap with total hip replacement, but activity progression is individualized.
Early recovery: Walking assistance, incision care, swelling control, and hip precautions as directed.
Progressive phase: Gradual weight-bearing and outside-guided strengthening as the surgeon clears activity.
Return-to-activity phase: Low-impact activity typically precedes higher-demand activity. Running, jumping, or heavy lifting should only resume when the treating surgeon confirms that implant position, bone response, strength, and symptoms support it.
Related Hip Treatments
Explore other hip treatment options:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for hip resurfacing?
What are the benefits of hip resurfacing over replacement?
What are the risks of hip resurfacing?
How long does hip resurfacing last?
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Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer hip resurfacing surgery evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

