Hip resurfacing is a bone-saving alternative to total hip replacement. This conservative surgical procedure aims to restore hip mobility and function by relining the hip joint; most of the healthy hip bone is preserved. The end of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket is trimmed back to remove only the arthritic or damaged portion, leaving the healthy part of the bone untouched. The surface is then covered with a thin, smooth metal dome.
Because very little bone is removed, patients can generally expect smoother, more natural mobility and function in their hip. Individuals suffering from restrictive hip pain who have tried non-surgical treatments without relief and wish to get back to an active lifestyle after surgery may be candidates for hip resurfacing.
Hip resurfacing can be performed safely in an outpatient setting. During the procedure, a few millimeters of bone is shaved off of the ball portion of the hip joint and covered with a smooth metal dome. Thanks to minimally invasive surgical technique, comprehensive blood management, and multimodal pain control, patients can expect a quick recovery after surgery. Most patients generally report a high degree of satisfaction with hip resurfacing.
Benefits of hip resurfacing include:
- Minimal bone loss
- A smaller implant compared to total hip replacement
- Decreased risk of hip dislocation
- Shorter recovery time
- Better mobility and function
- Preservation of the femoral head, making it easier to perform a total hip replacement in the futureif necessary
Book an appointment at the American Hip Institute to find out if you are a candidate for Hip Resurfacing.
Dr. Benjamin Domb is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Hip Arthroscopy. He is the Founder and Medical Director at American Hip Institute and is rated amongst the Top Doctors in the USA by the NY Times, US News & World Report, and Castle Connelly. The doctors at the American Hip Institute® have been global leaders in Hip Arthroscopy and Robotic Surgery for over a decade. While some would call this excellence, we simply call it the American Hip Institute standard.
