When did you start doing hip resurfacing? Where did you train?
My first resurfacing was in 2002, I later trained with Dr. Derrick McMinn in Birmingham 3 years ago.

Why were you interested in hip resurfacing?
We finally have an implant for sports, this was very exciting. I also loved the fact that this is a bone preserving procedure.

What Hip Resurfacing Device Do You Prefer?
BHR

What Surgical Approach Do You Use? Why do you prefer that approach?
Posterior, and a smaller incision if possible. This approach protects the abductors and the patient is less likely to limp after appropriate healing

Do you have a cut off age for resurfacing patients or do you go on a case by case basis?
I try not to perform this procedure on men over 65 and women much over 55.

How do you feel about cementless devices? Do you prefer cemented and why?
I commonly use cementless implants for hip replacement and feel that we will have a similar device for resurfacing in the future, however, cementing the femoral implant at the present time appears to result in fewer failures.

What size incision do your normally give your patients for resurfacing?
4 to 7 inches.

Does the length of incision influence the rehabilitation?
Not completely, yet if the procedure can be done safely, there are advantages to MIS such as less trauma, decreased blood loss, and cosmetic improvement.

Do you preserve the hip capsule during your hip resurfacing surgeries?
Always if possible.

What is your typical recovery time after resurfacing, what is your typical rehab protocol? Crutches for ? amount of time? 90 degree restriction?
2days or so in the hospital, crutches for a couple of weeks and hip precautions for 4-5 weeks.

What type of anesthesia do you use general or epidural or ?
I prefer a spinal whenever possible

How long do you feel it takes for the bone to be fully healed, grow into the prosthesis?
One year

What is the recommended time you tell your patients before they can start to run again/do impact sports?
1 year

Why is Hip Resurfacing better than a THR - for the proper candidate?
This is a bone preserving hard bearing implant that allows athletic activity that we were never able to recommend prior to this technology.

What other important information about hip resurfacing do you want to share with possible patients?
You may have a hip arthroplasty if the resurfacing cannot be performed
(usually 2 to 3 out of 100 patients), trust your doctor. Make sure you find a doctor who has done over 200 procedures, experience matters as this is harder to perform for the average surgeon.