What is Hip Resurfacing?
Hip resurfacing is an interesting alternative to standard hip replacement for young male patients that want to return to high impact sports or work.
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Why anterior hip replacement?
Anterior hip replacement is a minimal invasive muscle sparing technique to do a hip replacement. You will not need to observe hip precautions and many patients can return to driving and working earlier than patients undergoing a posterior approach.
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Home » Total Hip Replacement VS Hip Resurfacing

Total Hip Replacement VS Hip Resurfacing

Resurfacing procedures may be indicated in young male patients (Idealy less than 55 years) who have osteoarthritis and wishes to engage in high impact sports. It is a bone preserving alternative to Total Hip Replacement (THR)

The main advantage is that it is bone sparing in that it does not violate the femoral canal. This allows a Total Hip Replacement to be performed at a later date, if required, using primary femoral components.

  • Higher activity levels allowed
  • No activity restrictions
  • Unlimited range of motion after surgery
  • Reduced risk of dislocation rate and reduced risk of leg discrepancy

Total Hip Replacement Hip Resurfacing
Suitable for women and men of all ages Suitable for younger male patients
Femoral canal violation Femoral canal left intact.
Metal on polyethylene, ceramic on plastic or ceramic on ceramic articulation Metal on metal articulation
Does not tolerate high impact activities Can withstand high impact activities like running.
Risk of dislocation. Less risk of dislocation.
Risk of Leg length discrepancy (<2%). Minimal or no leg discrepancy.
Risk of plastic wear Risk of local and systemic reaction to metal.
Risk of Thigh pain (<5%) No thigh pain
Requires some restriction of activities Able to be more active