Resurfacing Hip Replacement

Resurfacing Hip Replacement is most suited to active strong patients

The resurfacing hip replacement is different to a total hip, as more native femoral bone is preserved. It lends itself to active strong patients, suiting athletic types, who more strenuously load the joint. This includes surfers, mountain bikers, hikers, skiers, martial artists, footballers, tennis players, netballers and a range of other athletes. In the past it was not particularly well suited to women but we now have options that we can offer our female patients.

What happens with a resurfacing hip replacement?

Professor Bill Walter places an artificial acetabular implant into the pelvis. A new surface (a “cap”) is placed over the top of the femoral head. With resurfacing, a stem is not placed into the femur (as is the case with total hip replacement).

Resurfacing Hip Replacement is suited to ‘younger’ active patients

Studies show this procedure is suitable for active male patients under 65 years and Professor Bill Walter always ensures the patient has good bone mineral density.

Professor Bill Walter has performed many of these procedures in the last 20 years and is a leading researcher in this area.

Resurfacing history

Resurfacing got a bit of a bad name because of one company who produced and heavily marketed a poorly designed implant. The implant led to a class action in the United States. This created a perception that all resurfacing hip replacements are unsafe, but this is not supported by data. There are many highly respected skilled surgeons who offer this approach with a very safe record.