Hip Resurfacing


Hip resurfacing is a relatively new procedure used to treat severe hip arthritis and other forms of hip degeneration. Hip resurfacing is a technique designed to reline rather than replace the worn hip joint. A surgeon reshapes the head of the thigh bone and covers it with a metal cap; a metal cup is placed inside the hip socket to create a metal-on-metal joint. In contrast, traditional hip replacements involve cutting away the head of the thigh bone and replacing it with a metal implant. A plastic implant is placed in the hip socket. Over time, the implants can wear and loosen, particularly if a person is physically active.

Younger, more active adults who want to defer total hip replacement, which doesn't last a life-time and is often less successful the second time around often opt for hip resurfacing with the hope of returning to their vigorous lifestyle.

SOURCE: American Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2007

For further information on hip resurfacing visit this link: http://www.zimmer.co.uk/z/ctl/op/global/action/1/id/9581/template/PC

o