The new technique has several advantages over standard total hip replacement (THR) and is an attractive alternative to many people, said Peter Brooks, M.D., a Cleveland Clinic orthopedic surgeon, according to Cleveland Clinic's Men's Health Advisor.
"I think it's probably preferable in the right patient," he said. "They absolutely love it. They love the concept."
However, the procedure isn't for people with weak bones or kidney problems, so it may not be ready to supplant THR as the gold standard in hip prostheses. What's the difference?
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon shaves the head of the femur (the large thigh bone) where it connects to the hip socket (acetabulum). A metallic cap covers the femoral head, guided by a small, short stem drilled into the bone. The capped bone fits into a metallic cup inserted into the acetabulum.
Hip resurfacing may delay hip replacement
Hip resurfacing may delay hip replacement