Hip Resurfacing Procedure

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The head of the femur (thigh bone) fits into the acetabulum (socket of the pelvic bone) to form the hip joint. In a healthy joint, the ends of the bone are covered with articular cartilage, which allows smooth painfree motion. The most common reason for hip surgery is related to the wearing away of cartilage leading to pain, limited mobility and instability. Hip surgery is done to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with man-made parts called prosthetics. The goal of hip surgery is to increase mobility and lessen pain.
A newer technique for some hip disease that has recently developed called hip resurfacing. Patients who suffer from hip arthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis may benefit from a hip resurfacing.

Osteoarthritis – the cartilage that covers the surface of the bones in the hip joint becomes frayed and pitted from repeated stress and trauma. When cartilage is damaged the normally smooth motion of the joint is replaced by painful friction.

Dysplasia – a condition where the hip joint is not formed properly. The socket is shallow and the head of the femur is not well rounded.

Avascular necrosis – interruption of the blood supply to the femoral head causes arthritic changes.

In a hip resurfacing procedure, the femoral head is reshaped, the arthritic bone removed and a metal shell with a small stem is inserted, which covers the ball. This conserves bone in the femoral head and neck. It may be cemented in place.
The arthritic bone in the acetabulum is removed and a metal cup is inserted covering the bone. A drain tube may be placed into the wound and then is closed. Finally a bandage is applied. -9

and then is closed. Finally a bandage is applied.