Hip resurfacing surgery is a newer alternative to the total hip replacement. This orthopaedic surgery involves placing a cobalt-chrome metal cap, over the head of the femur while a matching metal cup is placed in the acetabulum. The articulating surfaces of the patient’s hip joint are also removed during the procedure by removing very few bones compared to a total hip replacement.

The greatest advantage of hip resurfacing surgery is reduced chance of hip dislocation due to a relatively larger femoral head size. The devices used in the procedure is more bone conserving and retain the natural geometry.

Hip resurfacing procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Your orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision in your thigh to reach the hip joint. Then the femoral head is dislocated and the head is trimmed with specially designed power instruments. Now, a metal cap is cemented over the femoral head and the cartilage is removed with a reamer. After that, a metal cup is pushed into the socket and the femoral head is relocated back into the socket. Finally the incision is closed with stitches.

Complications of hip resurfacing surgery may include blood clot, infection, injury to the nerve or vessels, femoral neck fracture and dislocation.