What it is
Instead of removing the ball of the thigh bone, the surgeon trims it and covers it with a metal cap, and places a metal cup in the socket.
Who it's usually for
Mainly younger, active men with larger hip joints. It isn't suitable for most women or people with weak bones.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Keeps more of your own bone.
- Lower risk of dislocation.
- Allows a very active lifestyle for suitable patients.
⚠ Cons and risks
- Metal-on-metal wear can release metal ions, which need monitoring.
- Risk of fracture of the thigh bone neck.
- Some older designs were recalled; only certain designs and surgeons are recommended today.
Recovery times are typical ranges; yours may be different. Your surgeon can tell you what to expect.
What recovery is like
Recovery is similar to a hip replacement: walking right away and daily exercises for several weeks.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Am I a good candidate for resurfacing?
- Which design do you use, and what are its long-term results?
- How will you monitor metal levels?
When to get help quickly: Get help the same day for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, if you can't put weight on your leg after an injury, or, after surgery, for fever, wound drainage, or new calf pain or swelling. For chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, call 911.
What surgeons say in their videos
Videos from different surgeons and doctors, newest first. They share their own views, and we don't rank or endorse any of them.
Common questions about hip resurfacing
What is hip resurfacing?
Instead of removing the ball of the thigh bone, the surgeon trims it and covers it with a metal cap, and places a metal cup in the socket.
Who is hip resurfacing for?
Mainly younger, active men with larger hip joints. It isn't suitable for most women or people with weak bones.
What is recovery like after hip resurfacing?
Recovery is similar to a hip replacement: walking right away and daily exercises for several weeks.
What are the risks of hip resurfacing?
Metal-on-metal wear can release metal ions, which need monitoring. Risk of fracture of the thigh bone neck. Some older designs were recalled; only certain designs and surgeons are recommended today.
Getting ready
Losing extra weight, exercising before surgery, stopping smoking and getting your home ready can make surgery safer and recovery easier.
How to get ready for surgery →Find a surgeon
Look up hip and knee surgeons in your state, from public records.
Find a hip & knee surgeon →Other hip surgeries
Sources
We base this page on these major medical organizations and studies. How we write our pages.
General information written for Hip & Knee Surgery, not by the surgeons in the videos. For education only; not medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.