A surgeon discussing Hip Resurfacing Surgery options with a patient in Florida
Treatment/Treatment Details

Hip Resurfacing Surgery

Hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving hip arthritis procedure for carefully selected active patients with strong bone quality and appropriate anatomy.

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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.

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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:

Hip resurfacing procedure preserving femoral head

How Hip Resurfacing is Performed

  1. An incision is made to access the hip joint (typically posterior approach)
  2. The femoral head is reshaped using specialized instruments to create a smooth surface
  3. A metal cap is precisely fitted over the reshaped femoral head
  4. The hip socket (acetabulum) is prepared and a metal shell is implanted
  5. The components are tested to ensure proper fit and range of motion
  6. 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 Timeline: Recovery Varies by Implant, Bone Quality, and Activity Goals

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to total hip replacement that caps the femoral head with a metal surface rather than removing it. The acetabulum is also resurfaced with a metal cup. It preserves more bone than traditional replacement.

Who is a candidate for hip resurfacing?

Ideal candidates are younger, active males under 60 with good bone quality, large femoral heads, and hip arthritis. Women, patients with osteoporosis, kidney disease, or metal allergies are not ideal candidates due to higher failure rates.

What are the benefits of hip resurfacing over replacement?

Benefits include bone preservation allowing easier revision if needed, more natural hip biomechanics with larger head size reducing dislocation risk, and potentially better activity tolerance. However, long-term outcomes favor traditional total hip replacement.

What are the risks of hip resurfacing?

Risks include metal ion release into bloodstream (metallosis), femoral neck fracture, higher revision rates in women, and all standard hip surgery risks (infection, dislocation, nerve injury). Metal sensitivity testing may be recommended.

How long does hip resurfacing last?

Survival rates are approximately 85-95% at 10 years in optimal candidates (young males). However, traditional hip replacements show better long-term outcomes. The procedure has declined in popularity due to concerns about metal-on-metal bearings.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Considering hip resurfacing for hip arthritis? Schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics to compare resurfacing, total hip replacement, and non-surgical options based on your imaging, bone quality, and activity goals.

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.