What is Hip Resurfacing? Benefits, Costs, and Why You Might Consider It Abroad

If you're dealing with chronic hip pain from arthritis or an injury, you might have heard of hip resurfacing as an alternative to traditional hip replacement. Unlike a total hip replacement, which removes the femoral head, hip resurfacing preserves more of your natural bone while still relieving pain and improving mobility.

However, the high cost of the procedure in the U.S. has led many patients to look for options abroad, where they can access high-quality care at a much lower price. In this blog, we’ll cover what hip resurfacing is, who it’s for, how it’s done, and why more people are opting for treatment overseas.

What is hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a surgery that helps reduce pain and improve movement in a damaged hip joint. Instead of completely replacing the ball of the hip joint (called the femoral head) like in a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing simply reshapes the ball and covers it with a metal cap. The socket of the hip joint is also lined with a matching metal surface.

This approach is often a good option for active people who want to keep a more natural feel in their joints. It helps preserve bone, which can be important for those who want to stay active after the procedure.

The main goal of hip resurfacing is to reduce pain, improve movement, and keep as much of the patient’s original hip structure as possible.

Is hip resurfacing still done?

While hip resurfacing was once seen as a promising option, it’s not as commonly performed today as hip replacement surgery. It still remains an option for some patients, but it has faced challenges related to long-term results and potential complications. Despite this, some doctors continue to recommend it, especially for younger patients, because it can offer benefits over traditional hip replacement.

Whether or not someone is a good candidate for hip resurfacing depends on factors like their age, activity level, bone health, and the severity of their arthritis. The procedure is still done, but doctors now approach it more carefully, taking into account the patient’s unique needs and the latest research on its success rates.

Who is a candidate for hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is generally best for people who meet the following criteria:

• Under 60 years old: Younger patients tend to get the most benefit from hip resurfacing since the procedure helps preserve bone and can improve mobility for many years.

• Have strong, healthy bones: For the procedure to work well, the bone structure needs to be strong enough to support the metal components.

• Are physically active: People who want to get back to an active lifestyle, including sports or high-impact activities, are often good candidates for this surgery.

On the other hand, hip resurfacing may not be suitable for people who:

• Are older or have weaker bones: This is especially common in women or individuals with conditions like osteoporosis, where bones are more fragile.

• Have smaller frames: Women, in particular, may be at higher risk for fractures, which makes hip resurfacing a less ideal option for them.

Hip resurfacing abroad: What to expect during surgery

If you're thinking about having hip resurfacing surgery abroad, the process will be similar to what you would experience in your home country. However, choosing to have the surgery overseas may offer benefits like lower costs and access to experienced surgeons.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect during the surgery and recovery.

What happens during the surgery?

Before the surgery, you’ll be given anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free. The anesthesia could be either general (where you’ll be asleep) or regional (where only the lower half of your body is numbed).

The surgery typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Here’s how it usually goes:

1. Surgical incision: The surgeon will make a 3-5 inch incision on the side of your hip to access the joint.

2. Reshaping the femoral head: The damaged parts of the femoral head (the top of your thighbone) are removed. A smooth metal cap is placed over it to restore its shape.

3. Socket preparation: The damaged cartilage inside the hip socket is cleaned out. A metal cup is then placed inside the socket to provide a stable surface for the joint.

4. Repositioning and closing: After the metal components are positioned, the femoral head is gently placed back into the socket. The incision is then closed using stitches or staples.

After surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where you'll wake up and be monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Most patients are able to go home within 1 to 4 days.

Hip resurfacing vs. hip replacement

The main difference between hip resurfacing and total hip replacement is how much bone is removed. Here’s a simple comparison:

Feature	Hip resurfacing	Total hip replacement
Bone removal	Minimal; preserves femoral head	Significant; removes femoral head
Implant type	Metal cap on the femoral head	Stemmed prosthesis inserted into the femur
Ideal candidates	Younger, active individuals	Older patients with severe arthritis
Dislocation risk	Lower, due to larger ball size	Higher, compared to resurfacing

Both surgeries aim to relieve pain and restore function, but they differ in technique and outcomes depending on the patient’s needs.

What are the benefits of hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing offers several advantages, especially for younger and more active patients. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Bone preservation

Unlike total hip replacement, which removes the femoral head, hip resurfacing preserves more of the bone. This is particularly important for younger, active patients who might need another surgery later in life. By keeping more of the bone intact, it offers more options for future treatments.

2. Easier to revise

If the implant ever fails (which can happen with any joint replacement), hip resurfacing is often easier to revise. Since more bone is left intact, replacing the implant is less complicated than with a traditional hip replacement, which involves removing more bone.

3. Decreased risk of dislocation

The ball used in hip resurfacing is typically larger than the one used in traditional hip replacements. This can help reduce the risk of the hip dislocating. However, this isn’t always a guarantee—other factors like the materials used, surgical technique, and lifestyle habits also play a role in dislocation risks.

4. More natural walking pattern

Hip resurfacing may help patients walk more naturally than with a traditional hip replacement. The difference is usually subtle, but it could make a noticeable difference for some people, especially if measured carefully.

Risks of hip resurfacing

While hip resurfacing offers many benefits, it's important to be aware of the risks involved:

1. Femoral neck fracture

One of the main risks of hip resurfacing is a femoral neck fracture. In some cases, the femoral neck (the part of the thighbone just below the ball) can break, which might require converting to a total hip replacement. This is not a concern with traditional hip replacement, since the femoral neck is removed entirely in that procedure.

2. Metal ion risk

Hip resurfacing uses metal-on-metal implants, which means there’s a risk that friction between the metal ball and socket could release tiny metal particles into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects like pain, swelling, or tissue damage.

Over time, these metal particles could cause an adverse reaction in the surrounding tissues, sometimes requiring revision surgery. This risk has caused a decrease in the use of metal-on-metal resurfacing, although it’s still an option in some cases.

3. Infection and blood clots

As with any surgery, there’s a chance of infection or blood clots. Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics and blood-thinning medications to help reduce these risks and keep patients safe during recovery.

Hip resurfacing recovery

The recovery process after hip resurfacing usually includes:

Hospital stay: After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days.

Pain management: Pain medications are given, and physical therapy starts soon after to help with movement and muscle strengthening.

Rehabilitation: Full recovery can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, with a gradual return to activities. High-impact exercises should be avoided until full recovery is achieved.

Though recovery may take longer than less-invasive treatments, following the surgeon’s instructions is key to a successful outcome.

Hip resurfacing cost in Turkey and other countries

Many patients choose to travel abroad for hip resurfacing due to potential cost savings and access to high-quality care. Countries like India, Mexico, and Turkey are popular destinations for medical tourism, offering experienced surgeons and competitive pricing.

Here’s a comparison of estimated costs for hip resurfacing in various countries:

Country	Estimated cost (USD)
United States	$28,000
United Kingdom	$13,901
Mexico	$13,900
Turkey	$13,900
Costa Rica	$13,600
Malaysia	$8000
India	$7,200

Is hip resurfacing abroad right for you?

Choosing to have hip resurfacing surgery abroad can be a life-changing decision, but it's important to be fully informed before moving forward. While the cost savings and access to expert care are significant benefits, you should also consider factors like travel, follow-up care, and recovery time.

If you're ready to explore options for hip resurfacing abroad, Quality Care Global (QCG) can help connect you with top medical facilities and professionals worldwide.