Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures in the world. However, many younger patients, usually under 65 years of age, suffering from osteoarthritis are faced with the decision between delayed surgery or a limited return to activity with an increased risk of future surgery later in life.
Hip resurfacing represents a more conservative treatment option for younger patients that may prolong the time until total hip replacement is required. The clinical success of currently available metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing prostheses has exceeded initial expectations and may allow younger men in particular to have many more years of active life before conventional total hip replacement is necessary.
In a traditional hip replacement, the head of the femur is completely removed and replaced with a new ball on a stem that is inserted into the femur. In contrast, a hip resurfacing procedure removes only the worn-out cartilage and preserves the neck and most of the head of the femur. A thin-walled ball is placed over the head of the femur, while an equally thin shell is inserted into the socket (your pelvis).
Unlike conventional hip replacements, which use a smaller ball
in the socket (typically up to 32 or 36 mm
in diameter), hip resurfacing restores the natural size of your
own hip (typically over 50 mm in diameter). This
provides an immediate benefit for joint stability, and
postoperative dislocations are extremely rare: 3-5 times less
likely than with a total hip replacement.
Femoral head resurfacing provides better restoration of anatomy and natural gait compared to a traditional hip replacement. Experienced surgeons agree that hip resurfacing allows patients to return to a wider range of sports and recreational activities compared to total hip replacement. This return to activity usually occurs much earlier in the post-operative recovery period. Patients report high levels of activity, including walking, and these high levels of activity are maintained for more than 10 years after their surgery.
If revision of the hip replacement is required in the future,
the operation is technically simpler than for revision of a total hip replacement. The procedure for the femur is essentially
the same as for a first-time total hip replacement.
The ADEPT® hip resurfacing device aims to replace the worn or damaged cartilage in your hip joint. It is designed to work with the natural structures (ligaments and muscles) of your hip to provide you with a stable joint and a range of motion that allows you to perform normal everyday tasks with reduced or no pain. Since its introduction in 2004, the ADEPT® hip resurfacing device has proven to be a highly successful procedure. The best results are seen in men and larger sizes. The ADEPT® has been awarded an ODEP 13A rating by the independent Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (OPED) based on the available clinical data.
As with any joint replacement, individual and surgical factors can determine the suitability of the procedure or affect the longevity of the prosthesis.
We are happy to advise you on whether this procedure is suitable for you and to understand
the risks, precautions and other measures that may be relevant to you.
Some competitive athletes who have had hip resurfacing surgery include:
1. Andy Murray (Tennis): Andy Murray underwent a resurfacing of his right hip in January 2019 at the age of 32 after hip arthroscopy failed to produce the desired results. Despite the challenges of hip surgery, he quickly returned to the tennis court and won the same year after 6 months in the doubles at Wimbledon and after 8 months in the singles at the ATP tournament in Antwerp.
2. Bob Bryan (Tennis): Bob Bryan, a successful doubles player, also underwent hip resurfacing. He successfully returned to the tennis court just 5 months after his surgery at the 2019 Australian Open.
3. Floyd Landis (cycling): Floyd Landis, a former professional cyclist,
underwent hip resurfacing and continued his sporting activities
after the operation.
4. Ed Jovanovski (ice hockey): Ed Jovanovski, a former professional ice hockey player, underwent hip resurfacing and was able to continue his career after the surgery.
5. Masi Marjamäki (ice hockey): Masi Marjamäki, a Finnish
ice hockey player, also underwent hip resurfacing
and was able to continue his sports activities after the surgery.
6. David Walker (Judo): David Walker, a British judoka, underwent hip resurfacing and successfully returned to competition.
These athletes demonstrate that hip resurfacing can enable successful rehabilitation and a return to active sport, even in competitive sports.
Famous athletes with resurfacing:
Scientific literature on hip resurfacing:
National Joint Registry 18th Annual Report, 2021 www.njrreports.org.uk .
Lombardi AV et al . Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011; 469(6): 1547-53.
Barrack RL et al . Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2013; 471: 3803–3813.
Aqil A. et al . Int Orthop. 2013; 37(5): 795-801.
Van Der Straeten C and De Smet KA. Hip Int. 2016; 26 (1): 1-7.
Girard J. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2015; 101 (1 Suppl): S25-9
Platte JF et al . J Long-term Eff Med-Implants. 2013; 23(4):315-21.
Haddad FS et al. Bone Joint J. 2015; 97-B:617–22.
ODEP rating for bearing sizes 48–58 mm. The latest
ODEP ratings can be found at www.odep.org.uk
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