Hip resurfacing is a conservative surgical approach used to treat degeneration of cartilage and bone in the hip joint. Whereas a total hip replacement involves the replacement of the patient's thighbone and pelvic socket with prosthetic materials, hip resurfacing simply bolsters worn-down areas of the joint with metal implants. Though a technically complicated procedure, hip resurfacing has several advantages compared to traditional hip replacement.
Minimal Bone Loss
One of the main advantages of hip resurfacing compared to total hip replacement is that it minimizes the amount of bone loss to the patient. According to the UC San Diego Health System, because the head and neck of the femur are reshaped rather than replaced, surgeons are able to preserve more of the patient's healthy bone tissue. One benefit to preserving more authentic bone is that it fits the patient's hip joint more naturally than would a prosthesis, suggests the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
Greater Stability and Range of Motion
Compared to total hip replacement surgery, hip resurfacing decreases the risk of hip dislocation, because the implanted metal components increase the size of the femoral head, making it less likely to slip out of its socket. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that the larger implant also adds stability and increases range of motion. As a result, many patients are able to return to an active lifestyle after recovery.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation also notes that hip resurfacing decreases wear and tear on the hip joint because of the advanced quality of metal materials typically used to cap the femur and acetabulum--the concave surface of the pelvis into which the ball of the femur fits. The strength of these metal components--usually cobalt chrome--adds to the stability of the joint.
Improved Recovery
During a traditional total hip replacement, the surgeon cuts through muscle, ligaments and tendons en route to the hip joint and places a metal rod down the femur as a support for the prosthesis. As a result, patients often suffer significant pain and require lengthy rehabilitation to strengthen and rebuild muscle around the hip. Hip resurfacing eliminates the need to detach substantial amounts of muscle tissue, thereby shortening the length of recovery. Additionally, explains the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, doctors place only a short stem down the femur, in turn decreasing significantly the amount of pain patients feel in the upper thigh.
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