I would like to have that new operation for hip arthritis to resurface the joint instead of a total hip replacement. But my surgeon says I’m not a good candidate for this treatment. Who can have this procedure?

Studies have shown that success rates are much better for hip joint resurfacing when patients are selected carefully. Failure rates are reduced when risks are minimized.

A special risk index called the surface arthroplasty risk index (SARI) can be used to pre-screen patients. This tool identifies the number of risk factors present. It also rank orders them according to the importance of each one.

For example, the presence and number of large cysts on the femoral head has the highest risk. Each cyst gets two points. And a total of three points or more suggests you aren’t a good candidate for this operation. Other risks include obesity, previous hip surgery, and low activity level.

Surgeons know now that doing a hip resurfacing isn’t the same as a total hip replacement. The risk of fracture is much higher with resurfacing. Paying attention to risk factors that might cause problems and implant failure is important.