Hip Resurfacing

Recent advances in hip resurfacing are leading to renewed interest in this type of hip replacement implant. Earlier hip resurfacing implants had poor wear rates, leading to early failure and need for revision. Recent advances in metal on metal technology have lead to improved longevity.

There are some advantages and disadvantages to hip resurfacing.

Advantages of hip resurfacing include:

1. need for less bone resection of the femoral neck
2. increased range of motion (similar to traditional hip replacement with a large metal head)
3. improved longevity (similar to traditional hip replacement with a metal head and a metal liner)

Disadvantage of hip resurfacing include:

1. presence of the femoral neck and possibility of femoral neck fracture
2. possible increased loosening rate of femoral implant compared to traditional stemmed hip replacement
3. short track record making long term outcome difficult to predict
4. metal on metal bearing leading to higher metal ion levels (no clear health risk seen thus far)

While metal on metal articulation appears to be a good alternative for joint replacement in certain specific applications, long term data is needed to confidently compare results with traditional stemmed hip replacement.