about the procedure

The hip jointjointThe junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones. forms where the top of the thigh boneboneThe hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite cryst... (femurfemurThe long bone of the thigh.) meets the socket of the pelvic boneboneThe hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite cryst... (acetabulumacetabulumA cup-shaped depression on the external surface of the hipbone into which the head of the femur fits. The sock...). The top of the femur is shaped like a ball and fits snugly in the socket formed by the acetabulum. The hip bones are covered with a layer of slick cartilagecartilageThe hard, thin layer of white glossy tissue that covers the end of bone at a joint. This tissue allows motion ..., which cushions and protects the bones while allowing smooth movement.

Ligaments connect the bones of the jointjointThe junction between the ends of two adjacent bones. to hold them in place and add strength and elasticity for movement. Muscles and tendonstendonsFibrous bands, one at each end of a muscle, that connect the muscle to bones. play an important role in keeping the joint stable and mobile.

the procedure

When medication, physical therapyphysical therapyThe treatment consisting of exercising specific parts of the body such as the legs, arms, hands or neck, in an... and other conservative methods of treatment no longer relieve painpainAn unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibe..., hip resurfacing may be recommended. Helping to relieve pain and soreness, hip resurfacing can allow patients to perform many activities that may have been limited due to hip pain.

In hip resurfacing, the acetabulum, or pelvic bone, is replaced, relining (or resurfacing) the hip socket. This procedure replaces only the moving surfaces of the hip, preserving as much healthy bone as possible. Younger patients who are not excessively overweight, do not have  inflammatory joint disease or infection, and are not allergic to metal implants make the best candidates for resurfacing.¹ Potential advantages of resurfacing include bone preservation, a larger head size that resists dislocationdislocationDisplacement of an organ or any part; specifically disturbance or disarrangement of the normal relation of the... and easier revision if that should become necessary.^2,3

resurfacing versus replacement

It is important to understand that hip resurfacing is a different procedure from partial or total hip replacementtotal hip replacementReplacement of both the femoral and acetabular hip components.. In hip replacement, both the top of the femur and the acetabulum are replaced by artificial implants.

references

¹ Mont MA, et al. Effect of changing indications and techniques on total hip resurfacing. Clin Orthop Rel Res. 2007.

² Hip resurfacing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_resurfacing. Accessed on Sept. 19, 2010.

³ Mont MA, et al. Hip resurfacing arthroplastyarthroplastyExamination of a joint with a scope.. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2006;14(8): 454-63.