Home > Surgery > Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing

Compared to the total hip replacement this is a relatively new procedure in which the femoral head (the ball) is resurfaced rather than the entire head of the thighbone being replaced. Hip resurfacing in its current form has been performed since 1997 and in the correct patient group produces a long lasting solution with excellent function. Resurfacing best suits younger patients and those with high demands of their hips.

Because most of the bone of the femur is preserved it is relatively easy to convert to a total hip replacement if it fails in the long term. There is also less likelihood of dislocation and patients can continue with more vigorous sporting activities.

Hip resurfacing can be considered for older men in some cases. Unfortunately it is generally unsuitable for women over the age of 60 as bones tend to weaken at this period in women's lives due to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of a fracture of the neck of the femur.

In the last three years as well performing conventional hip resurfacings Miss Muirhead-Allwood has been able to offer a variant of the hip resurfacing, called a Birmingham Mid Head. This option is suited to patients with avascular necrosis or problems with the femoral head, which preclude the normal hip resurfacing.

What happens in hip resurfacing surgery?

The head of the femur (the 'ball') is shaped and covered with a metal cap, leaving the remaining bone underneath. This differs from total hip replacement where the entire head and the top section of the femur (thigh bone) are replaced. The socket is also lined with a metal cup. The patient's body will then produce synovial fluid to provide its own lubrication between the two metal surfaces.

Revision hip replacement surgery is also available at the London Hip Unit in addition to total hip replacement surgery and hip resurfacing.