Resurfacing of the hip is not a new concept. Earlier generations of surgeons saw the advantages of relining rather than replacing the joint. Unfortunately however the initial use of teflon and then polyethylene as bearings had poor results with an unacceptably high early failure rate. As a consequence the operation fell into disrepute.

In the 1990's McMinn of Birmingham, working on the premise that earlier failures were the result of materials rather than concept, pioneered a 'third generation' of hip resurfacing with hard metal bearings. His results have been so impressive that this philosophy has been accepted and resurfacing of the hip is now established practice.