Hip Resurfacing

Understanding Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement that does not require removal of the ball of the hip joint. In Total Hip Replacement, the ball of the hip joint is replaced with a metal ball. In Hip Resurfacing, the ball is capped with metal rather than removed.

Who is a Candidate for Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is intended for young, active adults in need of a hip replacement. Age recommendations for this surgery are: Females less than 55 years old, and men less than 60 years old. A thorough review of your bone quality will help determine if you are a candidate.

Why Choose Hip Resurfacing over Total Hip Replacement?

The hip resurfacing implant’s head size, bearing surfaces and bone-sparing surgical technique make it a preferred choice for some young, active patients. Here’s why:

Hip Resurfacing Advantages:

  • Less bone loss
  • Added joint stability
  • Greater physical demand implant
  • Less Bone Loss

In traditional hip replacement there are four components: a socket, a liner for the socket, a ball, and a stem to anchor the ball to the femur bone.

With hip resurfacing, the ball of the native hip is capped with metal rather than removed entirely. It is a metal-on-metal implant so there are only two parts. There is no additional liner between the ball and the socket. There is no stem entering the canal of the femur bone where the bone marrow lives.

Added Joint Stability

The capped ball has a larger diameter (is bigger) than a typical total hip replacement implant. As a result, there is a potentially greater range of motion and added stability of hip resurfacing upon implantation.

Greater Physical Demand Implant

With a large metal-on-metal bearing surface, it is felt that higher demands can be placed on the implant. At six weeks, we allow for all low impact activities (golf, bowling, unlimited walking, hiking, bicycling, and swimming) and restrict higher impact activities (soccer, basketball, and running). At one year, we do not have any restrictions for hip resurfacing patients while we recommend total hip replacement patients do not resume high impact activities.

Want to make an appointment?

We are now offering Telemedicine appointments (Virtual Visits). That’s right, you can now see our Orthopaedic Specialists and Pain Management Physician from the comfort of your own home via cell phone, tablet, or computer. You will sit in front of a camera where you will be able to see yourself and your Health Care Provider on the screen once your session begins. Our Telemedicine appointments are HIPPA compliant. Most insurances are now covering Telemedicine.

Phone: (707) 254-7117

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