Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing has been developed as a surgical alternative to total hip replacement (THR). The procedure consists of placing a cap (usually made of cobalt-chrome metal), which is hollow and shaped like a mushroom, over the head of the femur while a matching metal cup (similar to what is used with a THR) is placed in the acetabulum (pelvis socket), replacing the articulating surfaces of the patient’s hip joint and removing very little bone compared to a THR. When the patient moves the hip, the movement of the joint induces synovial fluid to flow between the hard metal bearing surfaces lubricating them when the components are placed in the correct position. The surgeon’s level of experience with hip resurfacing is most important; therefore, the selection of the right surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome. Health-related quality of life measures are markedly improved and patient satisfaction is favorable after hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

In October of 2017, when I learned that I needed a hip replacement, we did a LOT of research about the hip resurfacing procedure as well as finding the best surgeon. We found the Surface Hippy website and while reading through much of the information, it was there that we found Dr. Thomas Gross.

Through all of our research, we learned that some studies showed that there might be a greater possibility of dislocation of the hip with people of smaller frames – specifically women. It was discouraging to find that many doctors across the country who had once operated on women had just flat discontinued their services. S=