Development rationale for an articular surface replacement: a science-based evolution

Hip resurfacing has an enduring appeal because of the advantages of bone conservation and maximal joint stability. However, a far from satisfactory experience with earlier resurfacing designs led to its virtual disappearance in the 1980s. The concept was reintroduced in the late 1990s. The current generation of resurfacing devices generally consisted of a large-diameter metal-on-metal articulation, the femoral components being cemented and the acetabular components utilizing various forms of cementless fixation. The encouraging medium-term results, with a follow-up of up to 8 years using the current generation of surface replacement joints, combined with favourable reports related to long-term performance of some metal bearings have led to a rapid increase in the use of such components with these devices. This trend is most marked in younger, more active patients who have expectations of restoration of lifestyle in addition to improved mobility and pain relief and in whom failure with conventional total hip replacement is much higher than previously reported with more sedentary patients. The aim of this paper is, firstly, to highlight a number of areas of improvement and, secondly, to explain how these may be addressed by making modifications to the design of both implants and instrumentation and to the surgical technique. The areas identified for improvement were tissue preservation (thinner components, and reduced steps between sizes), acetabular cup issues (fixation, insertion, and positioning), femoral component issues (design, loading, and cementation), improved bearing surface characteristics, and simplified precise instrumentation with a low-trauma surgical technique.