Early failure modalities in hip resurfacing

Between 1996 and 2002, we treated 60 patients (65 hips) by hip resurfacing. The notes and radiographs of these cases were studied retrospectively and the modalities of failure identified. At a mean follow-up of 51 months, 14 of these cases (22%) required revision surgery. One patient had died from unrelated causes and one was lost to follow-up. At the time of primary surgery, the mean age of the patients in our series was 55 years. The commonest mechanism of failure in our series was fractured neck of femur (six cases). Four of these occurred in females over the age of 60. None of the fractured necks of femur were associated with trauma. There were four cases of loose acetabular components and one case of progressive AVN (avascular necrosis). Two patients required revision surgery for ongoing hip pain and one required a two-stage revision for early deep infection.