Abstract
When patients present at an early age with osteoarthritis of the hip, there is usually an underlying predisposing cause. In men, a common cause is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This is evident as anterior neck osteophytes, with retroversion and varus alignment of the femoral head, most likely the result of subclinical slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
The resulting femoroacetabular cam impingement causes degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, at an earlier age than primary OA. Patients present in their 40s and 50s with advanced arthritis, and are faced with the prospect of a total hip arthroplasty. Women may experience this as well, but may present with early hip arthritis as a result of subclinical dysplasia or pincer FAI more often than their male counterparts.
Hip resurfacing has several advantages over traditional total hip replacement for younger patients, especially men. These include bone preservation, less dislocation, thigh pain or leg length inequality, easier return to athletics, and easy revision on the femoral side. It is indicated in young, active patients.
The resurfacing procedure realigns the femoral head on the native and resurfaces the arthritic joint. Anterior neck osteoplasty is performed. Head retroversion is corrected. This restores deep flexion, and eliminates forced external rotation in flexion. Hip resurfacing can be done through either an anterior or posterior approach, although the anterior approach gives easier access to the anterior femoral neck, and preserves the blood supply to the head. This may help prevent femoral neck fractures and late head collapse.
