What to Expect from Hip Resurfacing Surgery?

Unlike traditional total hip joint replacement, hip resurfacing doesn't remove the "ball" at the head of the femur and replace it with a metal or ceramic ball. Instead, a hip resurfacing procedure reshapes the damaged hip ball and caps it with a metal prosthesis. The damaged hip socket in the pelvis is fitted with a metal prosthesis -- similar to that used in conventional hip replacement surgery.

Our surgeon will make an anterior or posterior approach to the hip, making a large incision in the side of the thigh, which allows the surgeon to see both the femoral head and the acetabulum (or socket). The femoral head is then dislocated out of the socket. Special powered instruments are used to shape the bone of the femoral head so the new metal cap will fit snugly on top of the bone.

The cap is placed over the smoothed head similar to the way a dentist caps a tooth. The cap is held in place with a small peg that fits down into the bone. Hip resurfacing patients must have enough healthy bone in the femoral head to support the cap.

Our surgeon may leave the patient's hip socket unchanged but it is also quite common to replace the natural hip socket with a thin metal cup. A special tool called a reamer is used to remove cartilage from the acetabulum and shape the socket to fit the acetabular component. The acetabular component is then pressed into place in the pelvis. Friction will hold the metal liner in place until bone grows into the holes in the surface and attaches the metal to the bone.

Hip resurfacing is performed under general anesthesia and requires a 2 to 4 night hospital stay once the surgery is complete.