Hip Resurfacing vs Total Hip: What’s the Difference?

Hip resurfacing is a bone‑sparing alternative to total hip replacement. Instead of removing the femoral head and placing a stem inside the bone, the surface of the existing ball is planed and capped, and the socket is matched to your native size.

The result is a larger ball‑and‑socket construct compared to many standard implants, which can feel closer to a normal hip and may promote a more natural gait for the right patient. Resurfacing does not apply to everyone; it is typically considered for younger, more active people with specific patterns of arthritis or prior injury.

Standard total hip replacements remain an excellent solution for most patients. To discuss options and candidacy, contact Summit Orthopaedics in Idaho Falls at (208) 227‑1100 or visit summitortho.net.

Chapters

‍00:00 What hip resurfacing is

‍00:12 How it differs from a standard total hip

‍00:32 Why the larger ball‑and‑socket can feel more natural

00:48 Who might be a candidate and who is not

‍01:05  Next steps and how to get care at Summit Orthopaedics

Hip resurfacing is a bone-sparing option. Instead of cutting off the ball of the hip and placing a metal ball on a stem inside the bone (like a standard total hip), we reshape the surface of your natural ball and cap it. The socket is also resurfaced. That means you keep a larger ball in a larger socket—closer to your original anatomy—so many patients say it feels more like a normal hip. Your walking and gait mechanics can feel more natural with resurfacing.

It’s not for everyone. Hip resurfacing is mainly for younger, more active patients who have arthritis from injury or less common causes. Standard total hip replacements work very well for most people and have a long track record. Resurfacing is a good option for a smaller group of patients who fit specific criteria.