After 20 years of experience with hip resurfacing since starting the website in 2005 and talking to thousands of patients, I personally feel that selecting the right surgeon is the MOST IMPORTANT decision you’ll make for your hip resurfacing surgery. Studies show that a surgeon needs at least 100 procedures to become truly experienced. The really experienced surgeons have done 7000 to 10,000 or more hip resurfacings – that’s a huge difference in experience levels.

Hip resurfacing can give amazing results when done by experienced surgeons. The numbers tell the story – 99% of implants still working great after 17 years, and 92% of patients getting back to sports. That’s much better than what you typically see with regular hip replacements where activities are often limited.

I created this guide to help you find and evaluate hip resurfacing surgeons based on what I’ve learned from my own experience and from helping thousands of other patients. I’ll share the key questions to ask, what to look for, and how to make sure you’re making the right choice for your surgery.

The difference between an experienced and inexperienced surgeon can make all the difference in your outcome. Just like I always say about real estate – “Location, Location, Location” – with hip resurfacing surgeons it’s “Experience, Experience, Experience.”

Where to Start Your Search

Finding a hip resurfacing surgeon requires careful research and planning. My personal surgeon, Dr. De Smet, even told me that selecting the right surgeon is crucial for success. Here’s what I’ve learned from helping thousands of patients find their surgeons:

Check Online Resources First

Start by looking at surgeon credentials and experience levels. The Surface Hippy website features a list of surgeons who have done 1000+ hip resurfacings. Look for:

Special training in hip resurfacing
Professional memberships [10]
Published research about hip resurfacing [10]

Read Patient Stories and Reviews

The Hip Talk Discussion Forum with 8000+ members offers real patient experiences. When reading reviews, focus on hip resurfacing patients specifically [10]. Pay special attention to:

How their recovery went
What they say about the surgeon’s communication
Their activity level now
Quality of follow-up care

Ask Your Doctor and Check Insurance

Your regular doctor might know good hip resurfacing surgeons [11]. But remember – check if your insurance will cover the surgeon you choose [11]. Many patients travel to see experienced surgeons at top-ranked orthopedic hospitals [3].

Patient satisfaction is VERY IMPORTANT in choosing a surgeon [4]. I’ve noticed that patients of really experienced surgeons usually have easier recoveries and better outcomes.

Make sure your surgeon has experience with the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) system or other devices they’ll use [11]. The BHR has been used since 1997 worldwide and has great long-term results [11]. Many newer crosslinked polyethylene devices like the Polymotion Device and Ceramic on Ceramic devices like the ReCerf and the H1 are currently running trials.

Remember – just like I always say about real estate being about “Location, Location, Location,” finding a hip resurfacing surgeon is about “Experience, Experience and Experience.” The best surgeons combine technical skills with good communication and genuine care for their patients [10].

The Hip Talk Discussion Forum is a great place to ask questions and learn from other patients’ experiences. Trust your instincts after doing thorough research – it’s YOUR hip and YOUR choice.

Questions to Ask Your Hip Resurfacing Surgeon

The angle of the cup in the acetabulum is very important, and so are many other technical aspects of hip resurfacing surgery. Based on my experience helping thousands of patients, here are the MOST IMPORTANT questions to ask during your consultation.

Experience Questions

Studies show surgeons need at least 75 to 100 procedures [6] to achieve good results. My personal surgeon, Dr. De Smet, even told me that he still has very difficult surgeries after 7000 hip resurfacings. Ask your surgeon:

How many hip resurfacings have you personally done?
What is your revision rate to THR?
How many hip resurfacings do you do each year?
Which device do you use and why?

Success Rates and Complications

Research shows hip resurfacing has a 95.5% success rate at 10 years [7]. But remember – results vary greatly between surgeons. You need to know:

Their personal complication rates
Types of problems they’ve seen – studies show loose cups and metal reactions each cause about 20.1% of failures [7]
Experience with patients like you – women often have different results [6]

Recovery Details

Recovery starts right after surgery with physical therapy [8]. Here’s what I’ve learned about recovery from my own experience and thousands of patient stories:

First 6 weeks focus on gentle movement. Most people feel much better by weeks 3-6 [8]. Full recovery usually takes 6 months to 1 year [8].

Make sure to ask about:

Pain management plan
When you can put weight on your hip
Return to work timing
Physical therapy program
Activity limits

Most patients get back to daily activities within 6 weeks [9], but sports usually wait until 12 weeks [9]. Every person recovers differently – trust your surgeon’s specific instructions for YOUR case.

Each surgeon has their own recovery program. Some suggest nothing more than walking. Be sure to ask your surgeon what their protocol is.

Remember – these questions help you understand if the surgeon is truly experienced with hip resurfacing. The best surgeons will answer openly and clearly explain everything in terms you can understand.

Traveling for Hip Resurfacing Surgery

I had my hip resurfacing done by Dr. De Smet in Belgium in 2006. Many patients ask me if traveling for surgery is worth it. Unfortunately, there are not a large number of experienced hip resurfacing surgeons in all large cities. Many patient must travel to use the most experienced surgeons. Some patients even travel overseas to see experienced surgeons [10].

Travel Planning

Before you book travel, know that 50% of airlines want medical clearance after surgery [11]. About 64% of insurance companies have rules about flying after hip resurfacing [11].

For safe travel after surgery:

Use compression stockings on flights in the first month [12]
Get bulkhead or aisle seats for leg room [2]
Stop often during car trips to move around [12]
Use airport wheelchairs – don’t be shy about asking for help [2]

Follow-up Care

Your surgeon will want to see you at 6 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, and every other year after that [2]. If you live far away (over 4 hours), many surgeons work with you:

Some do remote check-ups once you’re healing well [2]. Many offices help arrange travel and special care plans [13].

If you’re traveling far, plan to stay an extra night in the hospital [2]. Some patients stay at nearby hotels during early recovery to be close to their surgeon if needed [2].

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons says most patients can travel safely soon after surgery with proper care [11]. Just make sure both your regular doctor and surgeon know your travel plans [11].

Remember – finding the right surgeon is worth the travel. My personal surgeon even told me that experience can only be learned, it cannot be taught. Trust your research and choose what makes YOU feel confident about YOUR surgery.

Understanding Insurance and Costs for Hip Resurfacing

After helping thousands of patients navigate hip resurfacing decisions, I’ve learned that understanding costs and insurance is crucial. Most insurance plans cover hip resurfacing as a medically necessary procedure [14]. Many surgeons don’t accept Medicare or Medicaid since hip resurfacing is a very difficult and complex surgery than a THR.

Insurance Coverage

Different insurance plans cover hip resurfacing differently. Major insurance companies use CPT code 27130 for coverage [15].

What It Costs

The BIGGEST difference in cost comes from whether you stay in the hospital. Outpatient surgery costs about $26,000, while hospital stays can run $39,000 to $67,000 [17].

Without insurance, hip resurfacing costs between $18,175 to $74,000 [14]. Even with insurance, you’ll likely pay:

Your regular copay
Your deductible
Coinsurance ($3,000 to $4,000) [14]

You might save $13,000 to $41,000 by choosing outpatient surgery [17]. But remember – costs vary by location and hospital.

Payment Options

If your insurance won’t cover everything, many doctors offer payment plans:

Some give 12 months with no interest, or longer plans up to 60 months at 14.9% APR [18]. You’ll need to pay everything 7 days before surgery [18].

To get medical financing, have ready:

Where you’ve lived for 3 years
Your job history
Income information
Bank account details [18]

Most private doctors want automatic payments from your bank [18]. Start talking about payment plans early – it helps avoid stress later.

Remember – don’t let costs be the ONLY factor in choosing your surgeon. Experience is still the most important thing. I’ve seen patients regret choosing less experienced surgeons just to save money.

Making Your Final Choice

Selection of a surgeon for hip resurfacing is a personal choice. Studies show that standardized metrics and outcome measures help compare surgical results [19]. After 19 years of experience with hip resurfacing, I’ve learned some important things about making this decision.

Looking at Different Surgeons

I realize that every hip resurfacing surgeon has to start somewhere to do his first operation, but research shows that experience and market status greatly affect safety [19]. When comparing surgeons, look at:

Numbers Matter: Studies use person-years to compare surgical outcomes [19]. This helps understand long-term results better.

Patient Selection: Research shows success depends heavily on choosing the right patients [5]. The Surface Arthroplasty Risk Index (SARI) helps predict outcomes [5].

Warning Signs to Notice

My personal surgeon, Dr. De Smet, even told me that he still has very difficult surgeries after almost 7000 hip resurfacings. Watch out for these RED FLAGS:

No proper certifications [1]
Many malpractice claims [1]
Few hip resurfacing operations [1]
Rushed visits or poor communication [1]
Won’t discuss other options [1]
Pushes for quick decisions [1]

Check the Hospital: The surgical facility should be clean and well-organized. Bad conditions increase risks [1].

Trust What You Feel

There is a LARGE AMOUNT of debate about choosing surgeons, but your instincts matter. Studies show gut feelings help handle uncertainty [20].

Experience Counts: Research shows experienced doctors often sense problems early [21]. If something feels wrong about a surgeon, pay attention.

Balance Everything: Experts suggest combining facts and feelings when deciding [21]. This helps get the best results.

Good Connection: Studies prove that surgery works better when you trust your surgeon [1]. I’ve seen this countless times in the thousands of patient stories I’ve heard.

Remember – hip resurfacing is as much of an art as it is a learned skill [5]. It works best for men under 65 with osteoarthritis and good bone structure [5].

Just like in real estate it’s “Location, Location, Location” – with hip resurfacing surgeons, it’s “Experience, Experience and Experience.” Trust your research, trust your feelings, and make the choice that gives YOU confidence.

Final Thoughts About Choosing Your Surgeon

After my own hip resurfacing journey and 20 years of talking with thousands of patients, I personally feel that choosing your surgeon is the most critical decision you’ll make. Hip resurfacing gives amazing results – but only when done by experienced surgeons who carefully select their patients.

I realize that every hip resurfacing surgeon has to start somewhere to do his first operation, but I feel, in layman’s terms, that hip resurfacing is as much of an art as it is a learned skill. My personal surgeon, Dr. De Smet, even told me that he still has very difficult surgeries and he has done over 7000 hip resurfacings.

When looking at surgeons, check:

Their experience level
Patient reviews
Professional background
Number of surgeries done

Many people worry about travel costs or insurance coverage. These are real concerns – I understand because I traveled to Belgium for my surgery. But remember what I always say about real estate: “Location, Location and Location.” With hip resurfacing surgeons, it’s “Experience, Experience and Experience.”

The MOST IMPORTANT thing is finding a surgeon who makes you feel confident. Selection of a surgeon for hip resurfacing is a personal choice. It is a choice that makes you feel confident that your surgery will go well, that your surgeon has a good bedside manner and you can ask questions anytime you need answers.

Take your time researching and asking questions. The Hip Talk Discussion Forum of 8000+ members is a great place to start. Ask questions and opinions from other people, then trust your own instincts and make up your own mind. It is YOUR hip and YOUR life.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key factors to consider when choosing a hip resurfacing surgeon? When selecting a hip resurfacing surgeon, consider their experience (number of procedures performed), success rates, board certifications, and patient reviews. Also, evaluate the surgical facility’s conditions and the surgeon’s communication style.

Q2. How does surgeon experience impact hip resurfacing outcomes? Surgeon experience significantly affects hip resurfacing outcomes. Studies show a learning curve of at least 75 to 100 procedures is needed to achieve optimal results. Experienced surgeons typically have lower complication rates and better long-term outcomes.

Q3. What should I ask during a consultation with a hip resurfacing surgeon? During your consultation, ask about the surgeon’s experience with hip resurfacing, their complication rates, the specific device they use, and their post-operative care protocol. Also, inquire about recovery timelines and when you can expect to return to normal activities.

Q4. Is it worth traveling for hip resurfacing surgery? Traveling for hip resurfacing can be worthwhile if it means access to a more experienced surgeon.

Q5. What are the typical costs associated with hip resurfacing surgery? Hip resurfacing costs can vary widely, ranging from $18,175 to $74,000 without insurance. With insurance, out-of-pocket expenses typically include copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance costs ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. Outpatient procedures are generally less expensive than inpatient ones.

References

Hip Resurfacing at Surface Hippy

Learn More About Hip Resurfacing Bone Conserving Alternative to THR

Selecting Your Hip Resurfacing Surgeon – A Patient’s Guide