Hip Resurfacing: An Alternative to Total Hip Replacement

Hip pain isn’t just an inconvenience—it changes how you move, how you sleep, how you feel. For years, total hip replacement has been the default solution. It works. But for some people, it might not be the best fit. Hip resurfacing offers another option, especially for those who still want to stay active. If you’re wondering whether it’s right for you, here’s what you need to know.

What Makes a Hip Resurfacing Procedure Different?

Think of a traditional hip replacement surgery like replacing a bad ball and socket joint with completely new parts. The femoral head (the ball of your hip joint) is removed, and a metal or ceramic implant takes its place, attached to a stem inside your thigh bone.

Hip resurfacing surgery works differently. Instead of removing the femoral head, the surgeon reshapes it and covers it with a metal cap. A metal socket is placed in your hip joint, just like in a traditional replacement. But because more natural bone is left intact, the joint can feel stronger and more stable.

Hip Resurfacing vs Total Hip Replacement - How Do the Two Procedures Compare?

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Who’s a Good Candidate?

Not everyone is a match for hip resurfacing. Here’s where it works best:

• Younger, active people (typically under 60)
• Men tend to be better candidates due to higher bone density
• Athletes or people with demanding physical jobs
• Those with strong, healthy bones

If you have osteoporosis, severe arthritis, or weaker bones, or a femoral neck fracture hip resurfacing might not be the best option. 

For the right person, hip resurfacing can feel more like a natural joint. The larger ball size reduces the chance of dislocation, and the preserved bone structure can make future surgeries easier, if they ever become necessary.

What Recovery Looks Like

Hip resurfacing recovery is a lot like total hip replacement recovery. Most people:

• Stay in the hospital for 1–3 days
• Start physical therapy within 24 hours
• Manage pain with medication and blood thinners to prevent clotting
• Walk without assistance in a few weeks
• Resume most activities within 6–12 weeks

If you’re active, it takes time to return to high-impact sports. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to run, ski, or play sports again.

Is Hip Resurfacing Right for You?

If you want a stronger, more stable joint with a natural feel, hip resurfacing is worth looking into. If your bones are weaker or you need a simpler, widely available procedure, a total hip replacement might be the better call.

Not sure? Ortho Westmount specializes in both procedures, and our expert orthopedic surgeons can help you decide what’s best for your lifestyle. Learn more about your hip surgery options, or check out our fees for cost details.

You don’t have to live with hip pain. There’s a solution that fits—you just need to find it.

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References:

• Ramkumar, P. N., Shaikh, H. J. F., Woo, J. J., Haeberle, H. S., Pang, M., & Brooks, P. J. (2023). Hip resurfacing arthroplasty as an alternative to total hip arthroplasty in patients aged under 40 years. Bone & Joint Open, 4(6), 408–415. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10232079/
• Cleveland Clinic. (2024, September 25). Hip resurfacing surgery. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17103-hip-resurfacing
• Hospital for Special Surgery. (n.d.). Hip resurfacing. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_hip-resurfacing.asp
• Ko, E., & Glazier, E. (2022, May 9). Hip resurfacing is another kind of hip replacement surgery. UCLA Health. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/hip-resurfacing-is-another-kind-of-hip-replacement-surgery
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023, February). Hip resurfacing. OrthoInfo. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/hip-resurfacing