Surface replacement solutions for the arthritic hip

Surface replacement is a conservative treatment for young, active patients with hip osteoarthritis. It provides an increased range of motion as the result of a larger diameter head and improved wear characteristics because of the metal-on-metal articulation as well as an extremely low dislocation rate and increased patient function. While early results are encouraging, long-term outcomes are necessary to define and delineate the role of surface replacement arthroplasty in the treatment of significant hip arthritis.