Hip Resurfacing vs Hip Replacement: Know The Difference

Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Hip Resurfacing vs Hip Replacement

Ease of Revision Surgery:

A revision surgery is easier and more successful in case it is conducted after hip resurfacing than hip replacement. This is because in the former case, the thigh bone is preserved and less bone is removed. Whereas in the case of hip replacement, the ball portion of the femur is completely removed and replaced with an implant. This results in a considerable bone loss, which makes revision surgery a tedious task to perform. There is not much bone left to fix another implant.

Thigh Bone Fracture

Because the individuals’ natural femoral head is retained during the hip resurfacing surgery, there are high chances of thigh-bone fracture. However, this is not the case with hip replacement. If a thigh-bone fracture occurs during hip resurfacing, the surgeons have no option but to continue with the total hip replacement procedure. But that does not mean that fractures cannot happen at all in the case of hip replacement. It can still occur around any of the implanted components.

Incision Size

Hip resurfacing is a bigger and more complicated procedure than hip replacement even though it results in less bone loss. This is because it requires manipulation of the femoral head to the placement of the metallic ball. This may require a bugger incision than hip replacement. Because it is more difficult and risky, many surgeons do not perform hip resurfacing.

Implant Type

For total hip replacement, there a wide variety of implants available. This includes metallic, polyethylene, and ceramic implants. However, hip resurfacing is only conducted with the help of metallic implants. Implant manufacturers around the world are currently working on ceramic implants for hip resurfacing.

Longevity

Hip resurfacing lasts longer than a hip replacement for most of the patients. This procedure is particularly beneficial for young individuals. This is because in their case, they are expected to outlive the normal lifespan of the implants used in the case of total hip replacement.

Return to Normal Routine

People who undergo hip resurfacing are more likely to return to their normal routine and activities such as running, skiing, and other competitive sports. However, this is not true about people who undergo total hip replacement. Overall, people who undergo hip resurfacing live a more active and functional life than those who undergo total hip arthroplasty.

Risk of Dislocation and Inaccurate Leg Length

Because of the larger size of the ball in the case of hip resurfacing, there is a reduced risk of dislocation. A dislocation is characterized by the disengagement of the ball from the socket. Om the other hand, the risk of inaccurate leg length is more in total hip arthroplasty. Hip resurfacing ensures an equal length of both the legs because the natural bone (femur) is preserved in the patients.

Best Candidates For Hip Resurfacing Procedure

Not everyone is suitable for hip resurfacing procedure. For example, men are more likely to have a successful procedure than women. Also, people with osteoarthritis of the knee do better with hip resurfacing than those who have avascular necrosis.

Hip resurfacing is considered the best for younger men who live an active lifestyle and have average height. It has many benefits to offer as compared to total hip replacement. It can make people return to their normal and active lifestyle. However, only a surgeon is able to tell whether a hip resurfacing or total hip arthroplasty is what you need.