Hip resurfacing, the bone-sparing sport hip

Hip resurfacing (RSA or sport hip): only the surface of the femoral head and the acetabulum is replaced. Your own femoral head and neck are preserved. We consciously choose a ceramic-on-ceramic** variant, no metal-on-metal. Particularly suitable for young, active patients who want to keep loading their hip heavily.

At the European Hip Center we use a ceramic-on-ceramic resurfacing prosthesis, not metal-on-metal. This modern ceramic version avoids the well-known issues with metal ions that could occur with older metal-on-metal resurfacing prostheses.

The RSA is sometimes called a 'sport hip' because it is particularly suited for young, active patients who want to keep loading their hip heavily, for example for running, contact sports or physical work.

At the European Hip Center, this procedure is exclusively performed by Dr. Vandeputte. He specialises in muscle-sparing hip surgery and prosthesis surgery.

The ideal candidate for a hip resurfacing arthroplasty is a young, active patient with good bone quality and a sufficiently large femoral head.

Reimbursement in Belgium

Belgian health insurance only provides full reimbursement of an RSA for male patients, younger than 55 years, with a femoral head diameter of at least 50 mm. Other patients may medically also be eligible for a hip resurfacing prosthesis, but in that case reimbursement is not complete and part of the cost of the implant remains at the patient's expense.

Individual evaluation during consultation

Whether a resurfacing prosthesis is the best choice for you, or a total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a better fit, depends on your age, sex, activity level, bone quality, shape of the femoral head and any additional conditions. We are happy to discuss this personally during the consultation and assess together which prosthesis will provide the best long-term result.

Immediately after surgery you can walk independently with crutches; full weight-bearing is allowed. Crutches are usually needed for 2 to 4 weeks. Within a few weeks you return to daily activities. From 6 weeks you build up walking, cycling and swimming. From 3 to 6 months you can gradually resume sports, including more demanding activities such as running, tennis or skiing, in consultation with your surgeon.

At the European Hip Center we combine advanced surgical techniques with personalised care. We deliberately choose a ceramic-on-ceramic resurfacing prosthesis rather than the older metal-on-metal variants, to avoid the risks of metal ion release.

HipCloud, our digital platform, supports every step with preparation and education before surgery, and monitoring of your recovery and support for rehabilitation after surgery.

Whether an RSA or a total hip arthroplasty is the best solution for you, we always assess personally during the consultation.