Resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip. Biomechanical, morphological, and clinical aspects based on the results of a preliminary clinical study.

As an alternative in total hip replacement the so called resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip is gaining wider acceptance. The procedure can be said to be a modernisation of the original Smith-Pedersen operation and is suggested in young people with degenerative hip disease, congenital hip dysplasia or Perthes' disease. The advantages are that the femoral head and neck are retained and thus no femoral stem prosthesis is necessary. The greatest disadvantage is that in case of socket loosening a secondary operation might not remain as successful as could the initial operation with a socket which is not as large as those recommended for the resurfacing procedure. In this presentation a preliminary report of a one-year material is presented together with a presentation of advantages, disadvantages, and the biomechanical appraisal of resurfacing of the hip. Fifteen patients with 17 hips have been operated and followed-up and by using the Merle d'Aubigné evaluation there was an improvement of some 3--4 points in pain, walking, and total motion. Patient opinion indicated 80% satisfaction. The management of two serious complications is also described.