Hip Resurfacing

Associate Professor Munjed Al Muderis is among the few surgeons in the world trained to perform the direct anterior approach for both hip resurfacing and total hip replacement. This level of expertise ensures that patients benefit from a high level of skill and knowledge in both surgical procedures.

The procedure is designed to remove the surface of the hip and replace it with an artificial component. It is carried out using an anterior, minimally invasive, approach to the hip and involves replacing the femoral head using specialised powered instruments and applying a metal covering.

Preparation prior to surgery

• You will receive a thorough health assessment: including medical history. You may be advised to modify certain lifestyle factors and you may be referred to another specialist. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications as your surgery date approaches. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs will be used to evaluate your condition and plan your surgery.  
• Skin and bowel preparation: On the evening before your surgery, you will be asked to wash your leg using the sponge provided at your pre-admission clinic. A skin test may be administered if an iodine allergy is suspected. You will also be provided medicine to help you evacuate your bowels prior to surgery.
• Patient education: if neccessary, you may speak with a physiotherapist who can advise you on post-operative mobility. 

On the day of the Surgery

• You will be asked to complete your surgical paperwork and will meet with the anaesthetist.
• The surgical site will be prepared.
• You will be administered general or regional anaesthesia.
• A small incision will be made, typically through the front of the hip, to access the joint.
• The femoral head (the ‘ball’ of the hip) is reshaped and contoured to receive the metal component.
• A metal cup is inserted into the hip socket..
• The wound will be sutured and dressed.

After your surgery

• Wound care: your incisions will be closed with sutures and covered by a waterproof dressing. After 14 days, the sutures will be removed. Prior to this, you may clean the wound gently with warm water and soap, being careful to dry it thoroughly. 
• Pain and swelling: You may experience mild to moderate pain in the hip and groin. You will be prescribed painkillers to manage these symptoms. Immediately following surgery, you may experience some numbness, although this will resolve without intervention. Inflammation can be controlled by icing (15 minutes per hour maximum) during the first week.
• Mobilising: this will be guided by the degree of surgical intervention. Weightbearing will be increased gradually, under supervision. Crutches may be used initially and non-impact exercises with a physiotherapist, designed to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion, may commence after 7-10 days. High-impact activities should be avoided during healing.
• Aftercare: after 6 weeks, you will be asked to complete further X-rays to assess healing, and at three, six and twelve months after your surgery for the same reason. You may be prescribed blood thinners to reduce the risk of a clot developing.