Hip Resurfacing Surgery Overview
Hip resurfacing is a procedure that replaces the surface of the hip joint, but one that removes less bone tissue than traditional hip replacement procedures. Because this procedure removes less bone, it also promotes faster healing and recuperation. In most cases, hip resurfacing involves the head of the femur, or thighbone. Sometimes, it also involves both the hip socket as well as the head of the femur.

Candidates for Hip Resurfacing Procedures
Hip resurfacing surgery is often recommended for younger and more active patients who may need further treatments or revision of hip replacement surgeries, as they grew older, or as parts involved in hip replacement procedures wear out. Age, medical condition, health, and x-rays of the hip area will determine suitability of hip resurfacing. In most cases, surgeons recommend the candidates be less than 65 years of age, although those over 65 will also benefit if they are strong and healthy.

Hip Resurfacing Procedure
The hip resurfacing procedure generally begins with several small incisions to the hip joint area. The hip joint is accessed through an anterior, or frontal approach, as well as a posterior, or rear approach to the hip. Which approach is used will be determined by your surgeon. Sometimes, surgeons prefer the posterior approach because it keeps the hip joint intact. This reduces the risk of loss of potential blood supply as well as dislocation.

An incision into the side of the thigh allows the surgeon to view the femoral head (the top portion of the thighbone) and the socket of the hip. Specially designed surgical instruments shape the bone of the femoral head of the thighbone so that a new metal surface may be fitted on top of the bone. This piece of metal, called a "cap" is placed over the smooth head of the femur.

In many cases, this hip socket is left alone, but sometimes it is replaced with a thin metal receptacle. The bones in the femur and hip socket will grow, eventually joining bone and metal together. With this type of procedure, the hip joint is realigned and the head and neck of the femur can generally be preserved.

Benefits of Hip Resurfacing
Restoring range of motion and reducing pain that is caused by friction, or bones rubbing against each other, are two of the major benefits of hip resurfacing procedures. In addition, hip resurfacing does not require the total replacement of the ball and socket joint, as is performed in a hip replacement surgical procedure.

Hip resurfacing procedures are often recommended to those suffering from osteoarthritis, developmental dysplasia of the hip and vascular necrosis.

Hip resurfacing encourages conservation of bone, a durable ball bearing as well as one that may be anatomically sized per individual patient. The durable bearing is engineered and designed out of a compatible alloy typically created of cobalt and chromium, an extremely durable and acceptable substance when implanted in the human body.

Cost of Hip Resurfacing Procedure
Hip resurfacing procedures in the United States are extremely costly and may amount to $55000-$60000, for one hip! The same procedure in the United Kingdom ranges around $15,000, while the procedure costs roughly $8,500 in India. Medical tourists traveling to Thailand, Singapore, and South America for the same treatments may anticipate spending 1/6th the amount charged in the United States for such procedures.

Who Performs Hip Resurfacing Surgeries?
An orthopedic surgeon performs hip resurfacing procedures. New methods and techniques enable this minimally invasive surgical technique to restore mobility and quality of life. Orthopedic surgeons are board-certified in their country of origin and are generally performed using hip resurfacing techniques that require orthopedic surgeons to have experience in the field of joint replacement procedures and techniques.