Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a surgical alternative to hip replacement in which the damaged ball of the hip is reshaped and capped with a metal prosthesis instead of completely or partially replacing the joint itself. The damaged hip socket is also fitted with a metal prosthesis. Hip resurfacing is generally suitable for candidates who are younger than 60 years and have strong, healthy bones.

At the La Peer Hip Surgery Center of Excellence in Beverly Hills, our orthopedic surgeons are experts in their field. Patients who opt to visit our world-renowned facilities benefit from our knowledge and expertise in the very latest hip surgery procedures. To find out more, contact us at  (888) 760-3378 to schedule a consultation.

About the Procedure

Patients are placed under anesthesia for the entire hip resurfacing procedure, which will take about two hours. A six to 10 inch incision is made to perform the surgery, though the actual size depends on the patient’s anatomy. The damaged ball and socket are exposed and sculpted to accept a hip prosthesis. Once the prosthesis is in place, the resurfaced ball is reinserted. Finally, the skin is closed using staples and stitches. The patient will then begin the recovery process.

Advantages of Hip Resurfacing

Currently, extensive research is being conducted on the long-term benefits of hip resurfacing. Some of the advantages over a traditional hip replacement include the following:

• Easier to perform revisional surgery
• Decreased risk of hip dislocation
• Greater range of motion in the hip
• Patients recover with more normal walking patterns

Hip resurfacing is technically more difficult than a hip replacement. The procedure requires a larger incision and carries a risk of certain complications. Only an experienced orthopedic surgeon should perform this procedure. Luckily the surgeons at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are especially adept at hip resurfacing procedures.

Recovery from Surgery

After the surgery, patients are brought to a recovery room where some, but not all, will require overnight stay. On average, patients usually require a two-to-three day stay in the hospital. In the following days, when patients find it easier to move around and can get in and out of bed and walk safely, they will be able to return home.

Physical therapy usually begins the day after surgery, as patients are taught exercises they can perform in bed. After about eight to ten weeks of physical therapy, most patients resume all normal activities, including sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Have any complications been associated with hip resurfacing?

A: The general risks of hip resurfacing are the same as with traditional total hip replacement. Although rare, complications may include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, and extra bone formation. The risk of dislocation is lower than the risk associated with a total hip replacement.

Q: What happens if the effects wear out?

A: If the hip resurfacing wears out, it is usually because the femoral cap loosens from the underlying bone. If this happens, it can be converted into a traditional hip replacement.

Q: Do I need to worry about metal ion dispersal from a hip resurfacing procedure?

A: Due to the fact that surface replacements are made of metal, metal ions are dispersed through the body. Cobalt and chromium ions are measurable in the blood stream but have not been shown to cause disease. Patients with healthy kidneys are usually able to pass the ions in their urine.

Q: Can both hips be resurfaced at the same time?

A: A bilateral procedure (a hip resurfacing procedure on both hips) can be performed if the patient is healthy and in need of resurfacing on both hips

Contact a Hip Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Our hip resurfacing surgeons are some of the most renowned in the country. Our patients are offered some of the latest and most effective procedures for performing hip resurfacing surgery. Call  (888) 760-3378 to schedule a consultation with one of our talented Beverly Hills orthopedic surgeons.

Next, learn about hip dislocation surgery.