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Published on: September 7, 2022
Early return to function after hip resurfacing: is it better than contemporary total hip arthroplasty?
Bernard N Stulberg1, Stephanie M Fitts, Ashlea R Bowen
1Cleveland Clinic Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, USA.
Abstract:
Our hypothesis was that return of function for young patients undergoing resurfacing total hip arthroplasty (THA) with metal-on-metal bearings or contemporary THA with ceramic bearings would be comparable. Results from 337 unilateral hip resurfacing patients were compared with results from 266 unilateral ceramic-on-ceramic THA patients. Early differences in Harris Hip Scores were observed, but all differences faded by 24 months. Hip resurfacing seems to be a viable alternative to THA for well-selected patients. However, the public perception of improved functional capabilities was not demonstrated in this patient population. Resurfacing patients may be more impaired (slightly higher pain scores/lower function scores) than their THA counterparts in the early postoperative period, but these differences disappear by 24 months when both groups report Harris Hip Scores in the excellent range.
