Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement surgery that is designed to conserve more bone than a traditional total hip replacement (THR). It is an option for younger, active adults who have hip pain and damage caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions.
During hip resurfacing, the surgeon trims a small amount of bone from the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) and covers it with a metal cap. A metal shell is also implanted into the acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint). The two metal components articulate together, allowing for pain-free movement.
Hip resurfacing has several potential advantages over THR, including:
However, there are also some potential disadvantages to hip resurfacing, including: