Hip Resurfacing

Mr Nezar Tumia Explains What to Expect

Considering Hip Resurfacing Surgery?

Living with hip pain and reduced mobility can significantly impact your quality of life—especially if you're used to being active or competing in sports at a high level. Hip resurfacing surgery is often a highly effective solution, restoring function, reducing discomfort, and helping you return to the lifestyle you enjoy.

That said, surgery can feel daunting. Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Nezar Tumia, a specialist in hip and knee surgery, explains what hip resurfacing involves, what to expect from recovery, and how to ensure your healing process goes as smoothly as possible.

What Is Hip Resurfacing Surgery?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. During hip resurfacing surgery, the damaged surface of the ball (the head of the femur) and socket (the acetabulum in the pelvis) are carefully removed and resurfaced using smooth, durable metal components. This creates a strong metal-on-metal bearing surface.

Unlike a total hip replacement, which replaces the entire joint with a prosthesis, hip resurfacing preserves more of your natural bone. It’s especially suited to younger, active patients with good bone quality who want to maintain high levels of physical activity.

How is hip resurfacing different from total hip replacement?

The main difference is that:

• Hip resurfacing preserves the patient’s natural femoral bone and only resurfaces the ball of the hip joint.
• Total hip replacement involves removing both the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket) and replacing them with artificial components.

Potential Advantages of Hip Resurfacing Over Total Hip Replacement:

• May last longer under high activity levels
• Allows a potentially better range of motion
• Lower risk of dislocation due to the larger size of the resurfaced femoral head

Who Is Suitable for Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is typically recommended for younger male patients with strong bones who wish to return to an active lifestyle. It is less commonly offered to female patients, due to a higher risk of adverse metal reactions.

Ideal candidates often:

• Experience daily or night-time hip pain
• Are limited in their ability to exercise
• Have not responded to conservative treatments

Factors such as age, weight, general health, and bone strength (especially if you have osteoporosis or take steroids) will be taken into account by your surgeon.

How do I prepare for hip resurfacing surgery?

Preparation for hip resurfacing includes:

• Medical evaluations and imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
• Pre-operative physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the hip
• Adjusting medications and stopping blood thinners as recommended by your surgeon
• Arranging for help with daily activities during recovery

What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

• You’ll be asked not to eat for 6 hours before surgery, but you may drink water up to 2 hours before.
• You’ll meet your surgeon and anaesthetist beforehand to discuss the procedure and your anaesthetic options—typically a spinal or general anaesthetic.
• Surgery lasts about one hour. A local anaesthetic "block" is also applied to the hip area to keep you comfortable after surgery.
• You’ll be monitored in recovery before returning to the ward.

Pain Management and Early Mobilisation

As the local anaesthetic wears off, it’s important to start pain relief early to stay comfortable. Mr Tumia’s practice adapts an enhanced recovery programme, aiming to get patients moving within hours after surgery.

You’ll typically stand and walk with crutches either the same day or the morning after surgery, bearing full weight on the operated leg.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Yes, physical therapy is a critical part of recovery. It begins soon after surgery to help regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. Your therapist will design a program tailored to your needs and recovery progress.

What Is the Recovery Timeline?

Recovery varies between individuals, but most patients:

• Return to daily activities and sedentary work within 6-12 weeks

• Resume vigorous sports and higher-level exercise after 3 months, depending on the surgeon's recommendations and your healing progress

Recovery time is similar to that of a total hip replacement.

Activities to Avoid After Surgery

You should:

• Bear weight as tolerated
• Avoid high-impact or twisting sports (e.g. running, tennis, jumping) for at least 3 months

Your team will guide you on safe movements and provide physiotherapy support.

When Can I Return to Work?

• Office-based or remote workers may return in 6 weeks
• Physically demanding jobs may require up to 12 weeks

When Can I Drive?

You can usually drive after 6 weeks, once you can perform an emergency stop. It’s wise to have another licensed driver accompany you the first few times.

When Can I Exercise Again?

Gentle exercise can usually begin after 6 to 12 weeks. Avoid repetitive impact activities for at least 3 months. Your recovery plan will be tailored to your fitness level and goals.

How Long Does Hip Resurfacing Last?

If your surgery and recovery are straightforward, hip resurfacing can last indefinitely. It may even outlast a total hip replacement in active young patients due to its:

• Durable metal bearing surfaces
• Lower wear rate under physical stress
• Better range of motion
• Lower dislocation risk

What is the success rate of hip resurfacing surgery?

The success rate of hip resurfacing is high, with 90–95% of patients reporting significant pain relief and improved hip function. Studies show that most patients experience a return to normal or near-normal activities after recovery.

What are the risks of hip resurfacing surgery?

Potential risks include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Implant loosening or wear
• fracture or dislocation
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Reaction to metal particles

Why Do Athletes Choose Hip Resurfacing?

Professional and competitive athletes often choose hip resurfacing because:

• It allows them to return to high-level sport
• The larger femoral head helps maintain a full range of motion
• It offers greater stability and less risk of dislocation than a total hip replacement

Why choose Mr Tumia to do my surgery?

Mr Nezar Tumia is a senior orthopaedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in hip resurfacing surgery. His research on hip resurfacing earned Best Paper Award at an international conference in Germany (2009), underlining his commitment to excellence in this field.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re struggling with hip pain or limited mobility, speak to your GP about your options—including the potential for hip resurfacing surgery.

To book an appointment with Mr Tumia: