Hip Resurfacing

In this innovative process, the end of the thigh bone (femur) is capped with a metal covering–a strong cobalt chromium metal–much like the capping of a tooth. This fits neatly into a metal cup that sits in the hip socket. The head swivels within the cup, gliding together to replicate the hip joint. The surfaces that rub against each other are both made from highly polished metal. This type of hip device is called a metal-on-metal hip resurfacing device.

Hip resurfacing may be appropriate for:

Younger, more active patients
Good bone quality
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis

Hip resurfacing is not recommended for these conditions:

Active or suspected infection in or about the hip joint
Poor bone quality which your surgeon feels could not support the implant
Multiple cysts
Any known allergy to metal (e.g., jewelry)
Extreme overweight (overload on device that would lead to failure)
Skeletal immaturity
Women in child-bearing years
Weak immune system due to disease or certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
Kidney failure

Benefits of Hip Resurfacing

The first benefit of hip resurfacing is that it’s bone conserving – meaning more of your healthy bone is kept intact. The damaged area is simply resurfaced, not fully removed. In this innovative process, the end of the thigh bone (femur) is capped with a metal covering – a strong cobalt chromium metal. This fits neatly into a metal cup that sits in the hip socket.

The second benefit is more natural motion and less chance of dislocation than total hip replacement¹. Because large amounts of bone aren’t removed, the surgeon can resurface the hip closer to the size and shape of your natural hip. In fact, your resurfaced femur is similar to the size of your natural bone so you get a better fit inside your hip socket. This may result in greater stability and the potential for an increased range of motion – so you can return to the gym or dancing, or whatever activity you loved.

You are better prepared for a later treatment - hip resurfacing removes less of your own bone, which may be important should you ever require a total hip replacement in the future.

Success Rates

The Cormet Hip Resurfacing system was introduced to Europe by Corin in 1997 and has proven clinical experience in the US.¹ A clinical study was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Cormet device. Currently, there is a minimum follow-up on 283 of these 337 patients 2 years after their surgery. The study showed that 95% of patients had good to excellent results.¹

¹ PMA P050016, Summary of Safety and Effectiveness. Cormet Hip Resurfacing System is manufactured by Corin. Distributed exclusively by Stryker Orthopaedics in the USA. Cormet is a registered trademark of Corin PLC.