Current status of hip resurfacing arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty surgery has seen a resurgence of total hip resurfacing because of the advancement of designs, bearing surface and instrumentation. However, total hip resurfacing has several areas of controversy throughout the literature. Specifically, surgical technique, navigation/computer assisted techniques, effects of metal-on-metal bearing surfaces, and the management of failed hip resurfacing arthroplasty. This review attempts to provide clinicians with an overview of the current literature on hip resurfacing with a focus on clinical results of historical and contemporary designs and techniques, a comparison of the standard total hip arthroplasty compared with total hip resurfacing, patient outcomes, and finally the use of navigation and computer-assisted surgery to improve surgical outcomes. In short, this article reviews the current status of total hip resurfacing and emphasizes several areas of needed continued research.