Hip resurfacing is a form of arthroplasty which has been developed as an earlier intervention alternative to total hip replacement (THR). The potential advantages of hip resurfacing include less bone removal (bone preservation), a potentially lower number of hip dislocations due to a relatively larger femoral head size, and possibly easier revision surgery for a subsequent total hip replacement device because a surgeon will have more bone stock available to work with. The potential disadvantages of hip resurfacing are femoral neck fractures (rate of 0-4%), aseptic loosening, and metal wear. But we at Lee Chun Tek Hospital use a computer workstation and preoperatively plan the position and size of the best fit prosthesis customized to specific anatomy. Following this we rapid prototype a conforming piece of customized alignment jig that aids the surgeon to precisely align the cutting guides in surgery. With this new customized jig implementation technology it is seen that femoral neck fracture rate is a non- issue!

Patient suitability for hip resurfacing is decided by the patient's anatomy and the patient's doctor. Hip resurfacing is intended for younger patients who are not morbidly obese, are clinically qualified for a hip replacement (determined by the doctor), have been diagnosed with non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease, do not have an infection, and are not allergic to the metals used in the implant Hip resurfacing should not be used on patients who have severe bone loss in their femoral head, those with large femoral neck cysts present (typically found at surgery), or patients who have poor bone stock in the acetabulum. Caution should be used for patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, are tall, thin, or small bone, those with osteonecrosis (poor blood supply) to the femoral head, or those with femoral head cysts > 1 cm on an x-ray taken before surgery.

Patients with any of these conditions may not be suitable candidates for hip resurfacing. Come in for a CT scan and x ray to help us determine if you are a suitable candidate for this new customized placement procedure.

Our results are consistent with our pre surgical planned position as you can see in the radiograph. Precise placement of the prosthesis reduces fracture rate and correctly size reduces rate of loosening.