Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is an option for people living with ongoing hip pain that’s starting to limit daily life. It’s designed to relieve symptoms, improve movement, and preserve more of your natural bone compared with a total hip replacement. 

On this page, you’ll find clear information about the procedure, who it’s suitable for, what to expect during surgery, and how recovery works, so you can feel confident and informed when discussing your treatment options.

What is hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement surgery that reshapes and caps the damaged surfaces of your hip joint rather than removing the entire femoral head. It’s designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and preserve more of your natural bone which can be especially beneficial for younger, active patients.

Who is hip resurfacing suitable for?

Hip resurfacing may be an option for people who have severe hip pain or stiffness that is affecting daily life and hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, or injections. 

It is most used to treat advanced osteoarthritis but may also be considered for other conditions that damage the hip joint.

Because the procedure preserves more bone than a total hip replacement, it is generally most suitable for:

• Younger adults, typically under 60, who want to stay active

• People with good bone quality and density, as the femoral head needs to be strong enough to support the resurfacing cap

• Individuals with a larger bone structure, which can reduce the risk of complications

• People who wish to maintain a higher level of physical activity after recovery

Your surgeon will assess your overall health, bone strength, activity level, and the condition of your hip joint to determine whether hip resurfacing is the safest and most effective option for you.

How do you know if you need a hip resurfacing procedure?

You may be considered for hip resurfacing if hip pain or stiffness is affecting your daily life and other treatments are no longer helping. 

Common signs include:

• Ongoing hip pain that limits your movement or activity

• Stiffness that makes walking, bending, or climbing stairs difficult

• Pain that disrupts your sleep or daily routines

• X-rays showing significant joint damage

A specialist will assess your symptoms, bone quality, and overall health to decide whether hip resurfacing or another type of hip surgery is the most suitable option.

What is the difference between ceramic-on-ceramic over metal-on-metal hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing traditionally uses metal-on-metal components, but newer designs may use ceramic-on-ceramic surfaces. The main differences relate to materials, wear, and long-term performance.

Metal-on-metal resurfacing

• The most common and well-established option

• Uses a metal cap and metal socket

• Durable and suitable for younger, active patients

• Can release tiny metal particles as the joint wears, so monitoring is needed

Ceramic-on-ceramic resurfacing

• Less commonly used and not available everywhere

• Produces very little wear debris and avoids metal ions

• Long-term data is more limited

• Ceramic materials can be more brittle, so careful patient selection is important

Your surgeon will recommend the safest option based on your bone quality, anatomy, and activity level.

What conditions may lead to needing hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is most often considered when your hip joint has been significantly damaged, and symptoms are no longer manageable with non-surgical treatments. 

The conditions that most commonly lead to hip resurfacing include:

• Osteoarthritis - the most frequent cause, where the cartilage in your hip joint wears down over time

• Rheumatoid arthritis - an inflammatory condition that can damage your joint surfaces

• Avascular necrosis - reduced blood supply to your femoral head, causing the bone to weaken or collapse

• Hip dysplasia - abnormal hip development that can lead to early joint wear

• Post-traumatic arthritis - joint damage following a previous hip injury or fracture

These conditions can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. If symptoms begin to affect your daily activities and other treatments are no longer effective, a specialist may discuss whether hip resurfacing is a suitable option.

Preparing for hip resurfacing

Before hip resurfacing, your surgical team will guide you through a full assessment to make sure the procedure is safe and appropriate for you. 

This may include:

• A review of your symptoms, medical history, and activity level

• X-rays or scans to assess the condition of your hip joint

• Blood tests and a general health check

• Advice on preparing your home for recovery

• Guidance on medications, fasting, and what to bring on the day of surgery

Your care team will explain the procedure, answer questions, and ensure you feel informed and supported throughout the process.

How long does hip resurfacing take?

Hip resurfacing usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, although the exact time can vary depending on your anatomy and the complexity of your hip condition. You will spend additional time in the operating department for anaesthesia and recovery before returning to the ward.

What happens during hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is carried out under spinal or general anaesthetic. 

During the procedure:

• Your surgeon makes an incision to access your hip joint

• Your femoral head (ball) is reshaped and fitted with a smooth metal cap

• Your acetabulum (socket) is cleaned and fitted with a metal cup

• The components are positioned to create a stable, low-friction joint

• The incision is closed and a dressing is applied

The aim is to relieve pain, improve movement, and preserve as much natural bone as possible.

Hip resurfacing recovery time

Recovery after hip resurfacing varies from person to person, but most people return to everyday activities within 6 to 12 weeks. 

Full recovery, including a return to higher-impact activities, may take several months. 

Your physiotherapist and surgical team will guide you through each stage to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

Your recovery in hospital

After surgery, you’ll spend time in the recovery area before returning to the ward. 

During your hospital stay:

• Your pain will be managed with medication

• You’ll begin gentle physiotherapy, often on the same day or the day after surgery

• You’ll be encouraged to walk with support as soon as it’s safe

• Staff will monitor your wound, mobility, and overall progress

Most people go home 1 to 3 days after hip resurfacing, depending on their recovery and home support.

The first two weeks after your hip surgery

During the first two weeks at home, you can expect:

• Gradually increasing walking distances with crutches or sticks

• Daily exercises to improve your strength and movement

• Some swelling or discomfort around your hip

• A follow-up appointment to check your wound and progress

It’s important to follow your physiotherapy plan and avoid movements your surgeon has advised against.

Two to six weeks after your hip surgery

Between two and six weeks, most people notice steady improvement:

• Walking becomes easier and more comfortable

• You may reduce your use of walking aids

• Strength and mobility continue to improve

• Many people return to light daily activities and desk-based work

Your physiotherapist will guide you on when to increase activity levels safely.

Six to twelve weeks after your hip surgery

By six to twelve weeks, many people:

• Walk confidently without aids

• Experience significantly reduced pain

• Resume low-impact exercise, such as swimming or cycling

• Begin rebuilding strength for more active lifestyles

Your surgeon will advise when it’s safe to return to higher-impact activities or sports.

How long does hip resurfacing last?

Hip resurfacing is designed to be a long-lasting solution for severe hip pain, especially in younger, active adults. Many resurfacing implants can last 15 years or more, and some last significantly longer. How long your resurfaced hip lasts will depend on factors such as your activity level, bone quality, overall health, and the type of implant used.

Regular follow-up appointments help monitor the joint and ensure it continues to function well over time.

What are the advantages of hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing offers several benefits, particularly for younger, active adults:

• Preserves more bone than a total hip replacement, which can make future revision surgery easier if needed

• Larger head size reduces the risk of dislocation and can provide a more natural-feeling movement

• Good stability and range of motion, supporting an active lifestyle

• Potential for high-level activity once fully recovered, depending on your surgeon’s advice

• Durable option for people with strong bone quality

These advantages make hip resurfacing a suitable choice for selected patients who want to maintain mobility and activity.

What are the disadvantages of hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is not suitable for everyone, and there are some limitations to consider:

• Not recommended for people with weaker bone quality, such as osteoporosis

• Metal-on-metal implants can release tiny metal particles, so regular monitoring is required

• Higher risk of femoral neck fracture compared with total hip replacement, although this is uncommon

• Less suitable for smaller bone structures, which may limit eligibility

• Ceramic options are less widely available, with more limited long-term data

Your surgeon will discuss these considerations with you to help determine whether hip resurfacing is the safest and most effective option for your needs.

What is the difference between hip replacement and hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing and hip replacement are both operations designed to relieve severe hip pain, but they differ in how much bone is removed and how the joint is rebuilt.

Hip resurfacing

• The femoral head is reshaped and capped, not removed

• More natural bone is preserved

• Often suited to younger, active adults with strong bone quality

Hip replacement

• The femoral head is removed and replaced with an artificial stem and ball

• Suitable for a wider range of patients, including those with weaker bone

In summary, hip resurfacing keeps more of your natural bone, while hip replacement replaces more of your joint. Your surgeon will recommend the option that best fits your age, bone strength, and activity level.

How much does hip resurfacing cost?

Hip resurfacing is offered at Ramsay Health Care with a fixed, all-inclusive Total Care price, which covers your procedure, hospital stay, and aftercare.

Your consultant will confirm whether hip resurfacing is suitable for you, and you’ll receive a detailed personalised quote after your initial consultation, so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden charges.

Why go private for hip resurfacing?

Choosing private care for hip resurfacing can offer several advantages, especially if pain or limited mobility is affecting your daily life. 

Many patients value:

• Shorter waiting times, helping you get back to normal activities sooner

• Choice of consultant, allowing you to see a specialist with experience in hip resurfacing

• Flexible appointment times that fit around work and family commitments

• A comfortable hospital environment, often with private rooms

• Continuity of care, with the same consultant overseeing your treatment from consultation to recovery

Private treatment can give you more control over when your surgery happens and who carries it out, helping you plan your recovery with confidence.

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