Hip Resurfacing vs. Total Hip Replacement
In conventional total hip replacement, the femoral head is removed and replaced with a prosthetic stem and head. In hip resurfacing, the femoral head is retained but reshaped and capped with a smooth metal component, which articulates against a metal acetabular cup. This approach preserves the femoral neck and the majority of the femoral head bone stock.
Advantages of Resurfacing
- Preserves more native bone, making future revision surgery easier
- Larger femoral head size reduces dislocation risk
- More natural hip biomechanics and proprioception
- Generally allows return to higher-impact activity levels
Considerations
- Metal-on-metal bearing generates metal ions — monitoring of blood ion levels is required
- Not suitable in the presence of avascular necrosis, osteoporosis, or significant deformity
- Less suitable for female patients due to smaller femoral head sizes
- Technically demanding procedure with a longer learning curve
Who Is a Candidate?
Hip resurfacing is best suited to a specific patient profile. Careful selection is essential to ensure optimal outcomes and minimise the risks associated with the metal-on-metal bearing surface.
- Younger patients (typically under 60 years of age) with a long life expectancy
- Male patients with sufficient femoral head size to accommodate the components safely
- Good bone quality without evidence of osteoporosis or avascular necrosis
- Active individuals wishing to return to sport or higher-demand physical activity
- No significant hip deformity or previous surgery that would compromise component positioning
Patient selection for hip resurfacing is more stringent than for total hip replacement. A thorough pre-operative assessment including imaging, bone density, and a detailed discussion of the relative benefits and risks is essential before proceeding.
Recovery & Activity
The recovery pathway for hip resurfacing is broadly similar to total hip replacement, though many patients with a well-performed resurfacing are able to return to higher-impact activities — including skiing, tennis, and running — that are generally not recommended after conventional replacement.
Hospital stay is typically three to five days, with mobilisation beginning on the day of or after surgery. Physiotherapy is commenced early and continued as an outpatient. Most patients are walking without a stick by six weeks and return to recreational sport by three to six months.
Long-term monitoring with clinical review and metal ion surveillance is recommended for all metal-on-metal hip resurfacing patients.
Discuss Hip Resurfacing
For a personalised assessment and treatment plan, contact Dr. Pirpiris’s rooms at Cabrini Medical Centre, Malvern.
📞 Call 03 9508 9600