SRH has three major advantages over conventional THR. The first is, both components are made from metal (Cobalt chrome). By eliminating plastic cup, the new SRH system is intended to last much longer and therefore be more suitable for higher demand patients.

The second is, it retains the natural anatomy of the retains the natural anatomy of the hip by resurfacing the head allows full range of motion. This allows patients to sit on floor and squat.

The third is, it is very bone conserving as the head of the femur is simply reshaped, rather then being removed. Should the device need revision at some time in future, this may provide better options for the surgeon at that time, as a THR can than be used.

This operation is primarily intended for use in younger people who need a hip replacement. For people under the age of 55 needing a hip replacement, SRH should be considered. People aged between 55 and 65 who are very active and otherwise fit, may also be suitable. It is unusual to consider it for people over the age of 65.

The most common indication of all is osteoarthritis of hip. It can also be done in case of Rheumatoid arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis, AVN, Post Traumatic Arthritis, CDH, DDH etc.

There are certain conditions of the hip where SRH technique can not be used namely those which have resulted in extreme deformity of either the head of the femur of the acetabulum. In such conditions we use stemmed hip prosthesis with larger head which is again metal and also allows full range of motion.

In a study of 294 patients, SRH Operations were followed from March 1994. The success rate (The percentage of patients whose implants are functioning and have required no further surgical intervention) at 9.2 years was 98.6% which can be considered excellent in the young, active and highly demanding age group. Still we are waiting for long term results of SRH as compare to conventional THR.

SRH operation is technically more demanding and requires a lot of skill to perform it correctly.

Using special instruments, the damaged surface of the socket is shaped to a hemisphere and the new metal cup is inserted. This has a special coating on the back (Hydroxyapatite) that stimulates bone to grow on to the surface of the hip, there by encouraging a very solid long term fixation of the cup. The head of the femur is shaped to fit the resurfacing component and new metal head is fixed in place with bone cement.

As with any major surgical procedure, post-operative complications can occur following hip resurfacing surgery. The following is a list of precautions which must be taken to prevent any complications occurring.