Resurfacing Hip Arthroplasty

Resurfacing total hip replacement

In resurfacing hip replacement the socket is prepared and a metal shell is seated in. Unlike the conventional total hip replacement the ball (femur head) of the socket is not removed. It is trimmed and prepared to take a metal cap on the top of it. The metal cap articulates within the metal shell mimicking the appearance of a normal hip joint.

It is bone preserving on the femur side. The current guideline is to consider resurfacing hip replacement in men under the age of 55 with near normal hip joint anatomy. The success rate is good in this age group. Careful assessment followed by thorough discussions need to take place before proceeding with resurfacing hip replacement.

The recovery time is pretty similar to total hip replacement. There is some evidence that patients returning competitive sports is probably better than total hip replacement.

The complications are similar to total hip replacement. However the chances of dislocation is extremely low. The metal ion debri from the bearing surfaces can create local soft tissue and bone damages. So these patients need to be followed up as per MHRA guidelines to identify the failures early and intervene if necessary.