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48-year-old farmer before and after operation

Hip resurfacing is intended for younger, more active patients who are seeking a high level of function as well as pain relief. Although 'younger' and 'more active' are subjective and relative terms, chronological age is still a factor. The x-ray appearance of the hip is also important, as resurfacing may not be technically possible if there is severe bone depletion.

Each case is considered individually. Generally females under 60yrs and males under 65yrs are likely to be suitable for resurfacing but patients may be accepted beyond these limits if the bone in their femoral neck is shown to be sturdy by quantitative densitometry. The reason for this apparent discrimination is that post-menopausal women are prone to bone loss (osteoporosis) and poor bone quality can prejudice the outcome of resurfacing making conventional hip replacement a safer option.