There are two types of total hip replacement surgeries: Total Hip Replacement and Total Hip Resurfacing. This website focuses solely on Total Hip Resurfacing.

In order to reduce hip pain and increase function, surgery may be necessary for some individuals who are suffering from arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions. Fortunately, there are several surgical options available to patients. Age is somewhat an indicator of the type of surgery best suited for a patient. For the younger group, one such surgical option is called total hip resurfacing and, for many, this may be a viable solution for chronic hip pain.

A total hip replacement consists of three parts: a ball to replace the femoral head, a cup placed in your hip socket, and a stem that is placed in the shaft of the femur. An alternative solution to total hip replacement for active patients is total hip resurfacing. Unlike a total hip replacement, a surface replacement leaves more of your bone in place and does not remove your femoral neck shaft. Typically, the femoral head will be reshaped and resurfaced with a femoral shell and a cup placed in the hip socket during a total hip resurfacing. This surgical procedure will reduce pain and ensure joint stability. With ensured joint stability, this procedure typically allows a patient to return to his or her active lifestyle.

The surgery is generally used as an alternative to total hip replacement and is often suggested for active patients. Sometimes a patient will need to have a total hip replacement at a later date. Total hip resurfacing may give the patient time for new technological improvements to emerge in the field of total hip replacement surgeries.

Recovery from a total hip resurfacing surgery is expected to last from six weeks to three months. Rehabilitation is very important to your recovery. You will speed up your recovery process if you remain active and perform your hip strength-building exercises. A physical or occupational therapist will help you create an exercise program that is right for you.

As with a total hip replacement, there are many different types of prostheses from which to choose. Only an orthopedic surgeon, who is trained in total hip resurfacing surgery, can advise you on whether this is an option for you.

Contact Dr. Boyd today to learn more about total hip resurfacing and find out if you are a candidate.