Hip Resurfacing vs. Hip Replacement

In a recent article featured in the CDGA pertaining to hip resurfacing for golfers as opposed to hip replacement, it wasn't clear under what general circumstances hip replacement would be preferable. Could you comment further or recommend additional reading as resource material?

Dr. Scott Sporer:

First, a little background on hip resurfacing for readers who may not have seen the article you reference. Hip resurfacing utilizes a device which has been widely used in Europe for over a decade. With a hip resurfacing prosthesis, the metal surface of the hip ball fits into a metal socket in the pelvis, creating low friction and low wear. It's an alternative to conventional hip replacement, where the surgeon removes the top of the thigh bone and replaces it with a metal stem and a metal or ceramic ball. Hip resurfacing preserves more of the thigh bone and can be a good alternative to total hip replacement for younger patients.

Now, back to your question. Hip resurfacing is a great surgical procedure for the appropriate patient. These patients should be younger patients with excellent bone quality who have osteoarthritis. This procedure is not indicated in patients that have severe deformity to their hips, severe leg length inequalities or in patients that have poor bone quality. While I believe hip resurfacing is a great option for the younger person since it preserves bone, total hip replacement remains an excellent option. There are no studies that would suggest hip resurfacing is "superior." There are advantages and disadvantages with both.

For more information about Dr. Sporer and the Joint Replacement physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, call 877 MD BONES or contact us through this Web site.

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