Hip Resurfacing arthroplasty is an alternative to total hip replacement in individuals with end-stage articular cartilage degeneration and who have good bone quality. They must have minimal bone loss in their hip joints with a structural intact joint surface.

The big advantage of hip resurfacing is preservation of bone-stock and limit the risk of early hip dislocation with better range of motion than what a traditional hip replacement offers.

Areas of controversy and concern is metal allergy; and in patients who have renal insufficiency the procedure is contraindicated.
Women especially in their childbearing age must be notified about the risks associated with exposure to metal alloy.

Outcome is dependent on several factors, including surgeon experience, patient selection, proper component orientation and restoring the normal hip biomechanics.

Early postoperative complications include femoral neck fracture and venous thrombosis.

References:

Thomas P. Vail; Journal of the AAOS; April 2011 Orthoportal from the American Academy