During hip resurfacing a femoral “cap” is placed on the purposely fashioned patient’s femoral head. This is in contrast to a total hip replacement where the femoral neck is cut and a stem is placed down the femur bone.
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| Total Hip Replacement |
Hip Resurfacing |
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With hip resurfacing the majority of the femoral head is preserved. In theory the bone of the femoral canal is left undisturbed and this may be beneficial in the future when a revision hip replacement may be required.
The larger size of the femoral head reduces the risk of dislocation significantly and also provides a good range of movement of the hip.
With the standard total hip replacement either cemented or uncemented, some patients may experience thigh pain. This does not occur with hip resurfacing
The metal on metal articular bearing (interface between the femoral head and the socket) has very good wear properties which has the theoretical advantage of excellent long term survival of the implant.
Information on hip resurfacing
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At the present time hip resurfacing is still considered experimental and the long term outcome (survival longer than 10 years) of the use of this device are not yet known. So far the results are encouraging.
The surgical time may be slightly increased and the incision and surgical exposure required in the majority of cases is greater than that for a total hip replacement.
Femoral neck fractures can occur with hip resurfacing and they are more common in female patients. The reported incidence is between 1-3% with majority occurring within the first three months of surgery.
The potential long term effects of metal particles being released by the bearing couple (the head and the socket) is not known although at the present time no major adverse findings have been reported.
Information of metal particles produced by a metal on metal bearing
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Good quality bone stock in the femoral head is required to hold the resurfacing component. Patients with osteoporosis are not ideal candidates for hip resurfacing.
Resurfacing is contraindicated in woman of childbearing age and people with very poor kidney function.
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This 37 year old gentleman present with failure of conservative management of his osteoarthritic left hip. He had a resurfacing hip replacement and managed to return to playing sports including skiing.
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Information on hip resurfacing
