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A hip resurfacing arthroplasty or replacement is essentially a spherical metal cap inserted on the existing shaved "head" of the bone. It is a prosthetic cover on a preserved bone neck and head. On the cup side, the linerless polished metallic socket is placed in the natural bone cavity after shaving away the worn cartilage. Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is particularly well-suited for younger, very active patients since it allows a natural range of motion while permitting full loading and more vigorous activities. Furthermore, it preserves the femoral neck bone stock and facilitates any subsequent conversion to a standard hip replacement.
A recent worldwide product recall of the ASR (De Puy / Johnson & Johnson) implants was documented in the mainstream media and, while other companies have not gone the same route, there is a definite international trend of movement away from metal on metal resurfacing implants for any and all patient groups.
If a ceramic alternative bearing system can be designed, this implant philosophy will no doubt be revisited.
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