Hip Resurfacing in Athens

The hip resurfacing procedure involves surgically replacing the arthritic surface of the hip joint with metal-on-metal parts. The purpose of the operation is to stop the bones from rubbing against each other, which causes chronic pain in patients with severe hip damage. Hip resurfacing is considered an alternative to hip replacement.

In a hip replacement surgery, the entire femoral head is replaced, whereas in a hip resurfacing operation, the femoral head is preserved and only the surface is replaced. Some orthopedic specialists have suggested that this bone preservation makes hip resurfacing a superior treatment to hip replacement, especially in more active, younger patients.

A Good Candidate for Hip Resurfacing

Good candidates for hip resurfacing surgery can include patients suffering from hip pain under the age of 60.

Hip Resurfacing Procedure

During the hip resurfacing operation, an incision is made over the hipbone and the thigh muscle is divided. The damaged parts of the hip joint are resurfaced, and a metal cap is attached to the ball of the thighbone. A new metal surface is applied to the pelvis. The metal-on-metal allows for a smooth mobility of the new joint, and eliminates the pain.

Average Duration of Surgery: 2-3 hours