Hip Resurfacing – Joint Preservation Surgery Auckland | Dr Hugh Blackley Orthopaedic Surgeon

Who is Birmingham Hip Resurfacing for?

Hip resurfacing is most suitable for younger, active patients with osteoarthritis and strong, healthy bone. It is not recommended for older patients, those with osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, large bone cysts, or significantly misshapen hips.

Benefits of Hip Resurfacing

BHR offers several benefits compared to traditional hip replacement:

Bone preservation: Only a small amount of bone is removed, leaving more natural bone intact.

Durability: The metal-on-metal design has a much lower wear rate compared to traditional implants.

Stability and movement: Because the natural-sized ball of the hip is retained, dislocation risk is lower and range of motion is greater.

Faster recovery: Many patients are walking within hours of surgery and driving again within 2–3 weeks.

Easier revision surgery: If resurfacing eventually wears out, it can be more easily converted to a standard hip replacement compared to revising an old hip replacement.

For active patients, BHR often allows a return to higher levels of activity than traditional replacement.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, hip resurfacing carries risks. Complications may include:

Infection: Rare, but serious if it occurs.

Blood clots (thrombosis): Reduced through early mobilisation and preventive medication.

Fracture of the femoral neck: Rare, but more likely in older patients or those with weaker bone.

Implant loosening or wear: Although wear is slower than traditional implants, it can still occur over time.

Metal ions: BHR implants are metal-on-metal. While studies show no proven long-term harm, monitoring is ongoing.

General surgical risks: Such as nerve damage, stiffness, or anaesthetic complications, though these are uncommon.

Overall, hip resurfacing is a safe and effective procedure in carefully selected patients.

Before and After Surgery

Before undergoing Birmingham hip resurfacing, patients will have a full medical assessment along with blood tests to ensure they are fit for the procedure. It is important that any infections, including dental problems, are treated prior to surgery to reduce the risk of complications. In preparation, a physiotherapist will also meet with patients to provide guidance, fit them with walking aids, and introduce exercises that will support recovery after the operation.

The Surgery

Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery usually takes around two hours and is most often performed under spinal anaesthesia with sedation. During the operation, only a thin layer of bone — about 4–5 millimetres — is removed from the hip joint, preserving as much of the natural bone as possible. Patients typically remain in hospital for about two days before going home.

Recovery

Most patients are encouraged to get up and walk with crutches within just a few hours of surgery, often as early as four to six hours afterwards. Driving can usually be resumed within two to three weeks, depending on progress. Full recovery, including rebuilding muscle strength and restoring mobility, continues gradually over the following months. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and stiffness during this time, all of which improve as healing progresses.

The majority of patients experience dramatic pain relief, improved movement, and a return to normal daily activities.

What is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a surgical alternative to traditional hip replacement, designed especially for younger, active patients with advanced hip arthritis. Unlike standard hip replacement, where the top of the thigh bone is removed and replaced with a stem, hip resurfacing preserves most of the natural bone.

In this procedure, the femoral head (ball) is reshaped and covered with a smooth metal dome, while the hip socket is fitted with a matching metal cup. Because the thighbone is preserved, there is no need for a long stem down the femur. The materials used — highly polished metal alloys and other advanced materials — are extremely durable and designed to withstand high levels of activity.

Dr Hugh
R.L. Blackley