How To Choose The Right Hip Resurfacing Surgeon

How to Choose the Right Hip Resurfacing Surgeon

(The Most Important Decision You’ll Make)

If you spend any time researching Hip Resurfacing, one message comes up again and again:

The surgeon matters more than anything else.

Not the hospital.
Not the device.
Not even the recovery plan.

👉 Your outcome is heavily dependent on the experience and skill of your surgeon.

This isn’t meant to scare you—it’s meant to help you make the best possible decision.

🎯 Why Surgeon Experience Is So Important

Hip resurfacing is more technically demanding than a total hip replacement.

  • Bone must be preserved
  • Implant positioning must be precise
  • Small errors can affect long-term success

💬 What patients say:

“I was told early on—find the right surgeon first, everything else comes second.”

“The difference between an average and expert surgeon is huge with resurfacing.”

🔢 Experience Matters (A Lot More Than You Think)

One of the biggest factors:

👉 How many hip resurfacings has the surgeon performed?

General guidance from experienced patients and surgeons:

  • Hundreds = good
  • Thousands = expert level

💬 Real-world advice:

“I didn’t want to be someone’s learning curve.”

“Once I saw the difference in experience numbers, my decision was easy.”

🧭 Don’t Limit Yourself to Local Surgeons

This is one of the biggest mindset shifts.

👉 The best surgeon for you may not be nearby.

Many patients travel—sometimes across the country—for experienced resurfacing surgeons.

💬 Patient perspective:

“I drove 8 hours and would do it again without hesitation.”

“It’s one surgery—you want it done right.”

❓ Questions You Should Ask Any Surgeon

If you’re considering a surgeon, don’t be shy—this is your health.

Key questions:

  • How many hip resurfacing surgeries have you performed?
  • How many do you do each year?
  • What are your complication rates?
  • What device do you use—and why?
  • Am I a good candidate based on my age and bone quality?

💬 From patients:

“The good surgeons didn’t mind questions—they welcomed them.”

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For

Not every surgeon who offers hip resurfacing has deep experience.

Be cautious if you hear:

  • “I do mostly total hip replacements, but some resurfacings”
  • Very low annual numbers
  • Vague answers about outcomes

💬 Patient insight:

“If they can’t clearly explain their experience, that’s your answer.”

🧑‍⚕️ Surgeon vs Device (Important Perspective)

Many patients focus on which implant/device is used.

But experienced patients often say:

“The surgeon is more important than the device.”

Why?

  • A skilled surgeon can optimize results
  • A less experienced one can struggle—even with a good device

👥 Learn From Other Patients

One of the best resources:

👉 Other people who have already done it

Look for:

  • Similar age
  • Similar activity level
  • Similar concerns

💬 Common advice:

“I found someone my age who had great results—that helped me decide.”

🧠 Trust Your Instincts

Beyond numbers and experience:

👉 How do you feel about the surgeon?

  • Do they listen?
  • Do they answer clearly?
  • Do you feel confident—not rushed?

💬 Patient perspective:

“I just felt comfortable—and that mattered.”

⚖️ A Balanced Reality

Let’s be honest:

  • No surgeon has zero risk
  • No surgery is guaranteed

But:

👉 Choosing an experienced surgeon significantly improves your odds of a great outcome

🧭 Final Thoughts

If you take nothing else from this article, remember this:

Choosing the right surgeon is the single most important step in your hip resurfacing journey.

Patients who do well almost always say:

  • “I took time to research”
  • “I chose experience over convenience”
  • “I’m glad I didn’t rush the decision”

💬 Most Common Advice From the Community

“Do your homework.”

“Don’t settle for the closest option.”

“This is one decision you want to get right the first time.”

👉 Next Step

If you’re early in your research:

If you’re closer to a decision: