Hip Resurfacing

About Hip Resurfacing

Are You a Candidate?

Risks of Hip Resurfacing

Surgical Expertise

Your Questions

 Similar to total hip replacement, there are risks associated with this surgery.

• Infections occur in a small percentage of patients even though every effort is made to prevent them. Patients are given antibiotics before surgery and for 24 hours after surgery to minimize the risk of infection.
  
  
• Thromboembolism (blood clots or pulmonary embolism) can occur after surgery. Therefore, patients are given a blood-thinning medication, TED hose stockings and pneumatic leg squeezers for prevention. With these measures, this complication has become rare.
  
  
• Pneumonia can occur after surgery but is very rare, particularly in patients who mobilize quickly after surgery. Additionally, patients are encouraged to perform deep breathing exercises with an incentive spirometer to minimize this risk.
  
  
• Failure of the resurfacing device due to femoral neck fracture or loosening of the femoral or acetabular component may occur. If this does occur, it requires further surgery, usually with placement of a standard total hip replacement.