What is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip Resurfacing is a surgical procedure to treat the hip joint, typically for arthritis in the hip.   During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon shapes an arthritic or damaged joint and then covers or "surfaces" both sides of the joint with metal prosthetic implants. The one side, the end of the femur (leg) bone, is capped somewhat like a tooth cap. The other side, the hip socket, is cupped with an implant.

Resurfacing preserves bone stock on the femur (leg) bone if a revision is ever needed. Also, the large diameter metal ball and socket more closely mimic the natural joint structure than smaller diameter implants.  

Hip Resurfacing vs. Total Hip Replacement (THR)

• Typically with Hip Resurfacing both prosthetic implants are made from metal. With THR, the prosthetic implants are made from ceramic, polyethylene, or metal.
• With Hip Resurfacing, the implant is almost identical to the size of the head of the natural femur. With THR, the size of the head can be considerably smaller.
• With Hip Resurfacing, the procedure is considered to be bone conserving on the femur side. The natural femur neck remains intact and the natural head of the femur is reshaped and resurfaced, rather than removed. With THR, both the natural neck and head are removed, and the stem is considerably larger.

  Source: Stryker Corp.

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Hip Resurfacing Physicians

The following Providence orthopedic physicians specialize in hip resurfacing. For more information, contact our Program Coordinator at 248-849-8245 or toll-free at 877-830-BONE (2663).

William Higginbotham, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Higginbotham specializes in general orthopedic surgery including knee and hip replacement, arthoscopic surgery, shoulder surgery and fracture care. His special areas of interest are trauma, arthroscopic and hand surgery, sports medicine and joint replacement. Dr. Higginbotham joined Providence Hospital in 1999 where he is the Clinical Instructor for Orthopedics. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Medicine and completed his surgical residency at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital and his orthopedic residency at Metropolitan Group of Hospitals of Northwest Detroit. Dr. Higginbotham's professional affiliations include the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the Michigan Orthopedic Society and the Mid-America Orthopedics Association.

Elie G. Khoury, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
In 2004, Dr. Khoury was recognized as one of the area's most respected general vascular surgeons in Hour Detroit magazine's "Top Docs" listing.

Mark A. Kwartowitz, DO
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital

David C. Markel, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
David Markel, MD, specializes in Orthopedic Surgery, the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect bones and their supporting structures. His special areas of interest are joint replacement and hip and knee reconstruction. Dr. Markel graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1988, where he also completed his internship and residency in 1989 and 1993 respectively. During his residency, he completed an international trauma fellowship in Germany. In 1994, Dr. Markel completed a joint replacement fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. Markel is the associate program director of the orthopedic surgery residency program and a clinical assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Wayne State University. Dr. Markel is also the current Section Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Providence Hospital. He is active in orthopedic research, has several publications and lectures nationally. He is a member of several societies including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Michigan Orthopedic Society and the AO Alumni Association. Dr. Markel was recognized by his peers as one of Metro Detroit's most respected orthopedic specialists in Hour Detroit magazine's annual "Top Docs" rankings in 2008.

Robert S. Salamon, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Robert Salamon, MD, specializes in Orthopedic Surgery, the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect bones and their supporting structures. He also specializes in Family Practice. Dr. Salamon received his medical degree from the University of Michigan College of Literature/Science and Arts. He completed his internship at Harbor General in Torrence, California and his orthopedic residency at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital. Dr. Salamon also did a fellowship in sports medicine in Aspen, Colorado.