Chris Boone, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Bellevue, WA & Redmond, WA
The pain and stiffness of hip osteoarthritis gradually worsen, finally reaching a stage where you need surgical intervention to keep up with your activities. In the past, you only had one choice: a total hip replacement. Now you have another option. Dr. Christopher R. Boone specializes in performing hip resurfacing, an alternative that places no limitations on your activity level. To learn more about this, schedule an appointment online or call our hip resurfacing specialist in Bellevue, Washington.
Hip Resurfacing vs Hip Replacement
Hip resurfacing and total hip replacement both treat severe hip arthritis, but they are not the same procedure.
During a total hip replacement, the damaged ball of the thigh bone is removed and replaced with an artificial component. During hip resurfacing, more of the natural thigh bone is preserved. The damaged surface is shaped and covered with a metal cap, while the socket is fitted with a metal liner.
Because hip resurfacing preserves more bone, it may be a good option for younger, active patients who may need future surgery later in life. It may also allow the use of a larger ball component, which can support hip stability and reduce the risk of dislocation.
Total hip replacement may be a better option for older patients who have weaker bone or have arthritis that makes resurfacing less suitable. Dr. Boone will explain the difference between these options and help you understand which procedure best fits your condition.
Am I a Good Candidate for Hip Resurfacing?
A hip surface replacement is not right for every patient. It is often considered for active adults with advanced hip arthritis who want to preserve more natural bone and maintain a higher activity level after recovery.
You may be a possible candidate for hip resurfacing if you:
- Have hip pain caused by osteoarthritis
- Are active and want to return to regular movement after surgery
- Have good bone quality
- Have not had enough relief from non-surgical treatment
- Want to preserve as much natural bone as possible
- Are looking for an alternative to total hip replacement
Some patients may be better suited to total hip replacement. This can include patients with poor bone quality, certain medical conditions, or hip anatomy that does not support resurfacing.
Dr. Boone will review your symptoms, imaging, medical history, activity goals, and bone health before recommending the most suitable treatment option.
Average Hip Resurfacing Recovery Timeline
Recovery after hip resurfacing is different for each patient, but most people should expect healing to take several weeks to a few months. Your recovery timeline may depend on your age, bone quality, general health, activity level, and how your hip responds after surgery.
In many cases, patients start walking with support soon after surgery. Crutches or a walker may be needed for the first few weeks. Physical therapy is often part of recovery and helps rebuild strength, improve movement, and support a safe return to daily activities.
A general hip resurfacing recovery timeline may look like this:
| Timeline | What patients may expect |
| First few days | Walking begins with support, usually with guidance from the care team. Pain and swelling are managed. |
| First few weeks | Crutches or a walker may still be needed. Physical therapy may begin to improve movement and strength. |
| Around 6 weeks | Many patients can return to normal activities, depending on healing and surgeon guidance. |
| 2 to 3 months | Strength, mobility, and confidence usually continue improving. Some patients may return to more active routines. |
| 3 months and beyond | Higher-impact activity, such as running, jumping, and sports, should only resume once Dr. Boone confirms it is safe. |
Risks and Limitations of Hip Resurfacing
Possible risks may include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Femoral neck fracture
- Implant wear
- Hip pain that does not fully resolve
- Need for revision surgery in the future
- Metal-related implant concerns in some patients
Hip resurfacing may not be recommended for patients with weak bone, certain allergies or sensitivities, kidney concerns, or hip anatomy that makes the procedure less suitable.
Why Choose Dr. Chris Boone for Hip Resurfacing?
Dr. Christopher R. Boone is an orthopedic surgeon with experience in hip conditions, hip preservation, and advanced surgical techniques. He works with patients who have arthritis, hip pain, and complex hip concerns.
Patients choose Dr. Boone for hip resurfacing because he offers:
- Evaluation for both hip resurfacing and hip replacement
- Experience with robotic and technology-assisted surgery
- A focus on preserving healthy bone where possible
- Personalized treatment recommendations based on imaging and patient goals
- Care for patients in Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, and nearby Washington communities
Dr. Boone will help you understand your options and choose a treatment plan based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and long-term hip health.
Hip Resurfacing Q & A
What is hip resurfacing?
Hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving surgery used to treat advanced hip arthritis in some active patients.
Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is called the acetabulum, and the rounded top of the thigh bone is called the femur. Smooth cartilage helps the joint move comfortably.
When osteoarthritis develops, this cartilage wears away. This can cause hip pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Unlike total hip replacement, hip resurfacing preserves more of the natural thigh bone. Dr. Boone reshapes the damaged surface and places a smooth metal cap over the bone. The damaged socket is also fitted with a metal liner to help the joint move more smoothly.
Dr. Boone may recommend hip resurfacing for younger, active patients with good bone quality who want an alternative to total hip replacement.
What type of implant is used in hip resurfacing?
Hip resurfacing usually uses metal components to create a smooth new joint surface.
During the procedure, the damaged hip socket is fitted with a metal, cup-shaped liner. The top of the femur is then reshaped and covered with a rounded metal cap.
This design preserves more of the natural thigh bone than a total hip replacement. It may be suitable for some younger or more active patients who want to maintain hip function while preserving bone.
Dr. Boone will explain the implant type, how it works, and whether any follow-up monitoring may be needed after surgery.
What are the benefits of hip resurfacing?
The main benefit of hip resurfacing is that it preserves more natural bone than a total hip replacement.
During a total hip replacement, the rounded top of the femur is removed and replaced with an artificial component. With hip resurfacing, Dr. Boone reshapes the existing bone and places a metal cap over it.
Preserving more bone can be helpful for younger patients who may need another hip procedure later in life. Hip resurfacing also allows for a larger ball component, which can support hip stability and lower the risk of dislocation in suitable patients.
For the right patient, hip resurfacing may help reduce pain, improve movement, and support a return to a more active lifestyle after recovery. Dr. Boone will explain whether these benefits apply to your specific condition.
What happens during hip resurfacing surgery?
During hip resurfacing surgery, Dr. Boone replaces the damaged joint surfaces while preserving more of the natural thigh bone.
First, he removes the damaged cartilage from the hip socket and replaces it with a metal, cup-shaped liner. He then reshapes the rounded top of the femur and places a smooth metal cap over the bone.
The metal cap fits into the new socket liner, creating a smoother joint surface. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain, improve hip movement, and help the joint function more comfortably.
Your recovery plan will depend on your health, bone quality, activity level, and surgical outcome.
What are the risks of hip resurfacing?
Hip resurfacing has risks, as with any surgery, and it is not suitable for every patient.
Possible risks include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, continued pain, femoral neck fracture, implant wear, implant loosening, and the possible need for revision surgery in the future.
Hip resurfacing may not be recommended for patients with poor bone quality, certain medical conditions, kidney concerns, metal sensitivity, or hip anatomy that does not support the procedure.
Dr. Boone will review your imaging, medical history, bone health, and activity goals before recommending hip resurfacing.
Are there concerns with metal hip resurfacing implants?
Some hip resurfacing implants use metal components, which may require follow-up monitoring in certain patients.
In some cases, metal-on-metal implants can release tiny metal particles over time as the joint moves. This does not mean hip resurfacing is unsafe for every patient, but it does make proper patient selection and follow-up care important.
Dr. Boone will explain the possible benefits and risks of metal hip resurfacing implants during your consultation. He will also discuss whether this type of implant is appropriate for your health, anatomy, and activity goals.
How does robot-assisted surgery improve my hip resurfacing?
Robot-assisted technology helps Dr. Boone plan and perform hip resurfacing with greater precision.
These systems create a detailed view of the hip joint before and during surgery. This helps Dr. Boone plan the procedure around each patient’s anatomy.
During surgery, Dr. Boone remains in full control. The technology provides real-time feedback that helps guide bone preparation and implant placement. This can support a more precise approach while helping preserve as much healthy bone as possible.
To learn whether you might be a good candidate for hip resurfacing, call Dr. Christopher R. Boone or book an appointment online.
Find Out if Hip Resurfacing is Right For You
If hip arthritis is limiting your movement, work, exercise, or daily routine, Dr. Chris Boone can help you understand your options. A consultation with a hip resurfacing specialist can confirm whether hip resurfacing, total hip replacement, or another treatment approach is best suited to your hip condition, bone quality, and activity goals.
