The Benefits of Hip Resurfacing: Are You a Candidate?

Arthritis is a common joint condition that can cause disabling pain and stiffness. The two most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and both can impact nearly any joint in your body.

When you have arthritis in your hip, it can severely impact your ability to live life comfortably. Many people find that conservative treatments are enough to manage arthritis pain, but sometimes these options just don’t provide adequate relief.

If your quality of life is impacted by chronic hip pain, it’s time to learn more about your surgery options. Chris Boone, MD and our orthopedic team are proud to offer a range of treatments for hip arthritis, from hip replacement to hip resurfacing. Both procedures address joint damage from arthritis, and each has its benefits.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of hip resurfacing, how it differs from traditional hip replacement, and find out if it could be the answer to your arthritis pain.

The benefits of hip resurfacing

Traditional hip replacement involves removing all of your natural hip joints and replacing it with a prosthetic joint made from metal, ceramic, or plastic. In contrast, hip resurfacing is a procedure that retains most of your natural bone while repairing damage within the joint.

With hip resurfacing, Dr. Boone removes a portion of the femoral ball — the rounded end of the thigh bone — and reshapes the remaining bone, placing a metal cap on it. He removes damaged bone and cartilage in the joint socket and inserts a metal cup, similar to a traditional hip replacement.

Hip resurfacing means you retain the larger natural ball in your hip joint. This can reduce your risk of suffering a hip dislocation, and you may have a more natural walking pattern following surgery with hip resurfacing.

Another benefit of hip resurfacing is that revision surgery may be easier, making it a good option for younger patients. Joint replacements generally last 15-20 years and require revision surgery when they begin to wear out.

Hip resurfacing can be effective for long-term pain relief, particularly for young, active patients. If your hip arthritis is keeping you from enjoying life, book a consultation with Dr. Boone.

Your hip resurfacing consultation

Dr. Boone offers comprehensive consultations for adults of all ages living with hip pain. He can help you understand the cause of your pain and recommend the right treatment based on your condition, age, and lifestyle.

You might be a good candidate for hip resurfacing if you:

• Are younger than 60
• Have a large frame
• Have strong bones

Hip resurfacing allows you to keep the majority of the healthy, natural bone in the joint. It helps preserve a natural range of motion, making it a good option for younger patients with active lifestyles.

People with larger frames and strong bones are generally the best candidates for hip resurfacing because their bones have enough strength to support the metal cap. Those who have weak bones, osteoporosis, or smaller frames may benefit from traditional hip replacement surgery.

Whatever the cause of your pain, Dr. Boone and our team are here to partner with you and find a solution that works. We offer personalized treatment plans that fit your needs to help you live a life with less pain.

If you’re living with chronic hip pain, it’s time to find out more about hip resurfacing. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Boone online or on the phone today.