Mr Nezar Tumia
Orthopaedic surgery

Hip resurfacing: Can it be beneficial for young patients with osteoarthritis?

Written by: Mr Nezar Tumia

Published: 20/02/2023

Edited by: Sophie Kennedy

In this informative article, revered consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Nezar Tumia shares his expert insight on hip resurfacing surgery for young patients with osteoarthritis, including what it entails and what patients should expect from the recovery period to follow.

What is hip resurfacing? How can it be used to treat osteoarthritis in young people?

Osteoarthritis in young people is not uncommon. The cause of osteoarthritis in young people can be either genetic, developmental or environmental due to injury. Hip resurfacing is a bone preserving operation which involves removing the damaged articular surface and replacing it with highly durable metal without changing the anatomy of the joint. The hip joint will remain as a large ball and socket joint.

What potential problems can arise from hip resurfacing?

Resurfacing is usually done in young and active patients including high level athletes. Hip resurfacing enables people to return to their normal level of activity after the initial period of recovery.

In the last ten years, hip resurfacing became less popular due to the concern about the metal wear causing damage to the soft tissue around the hip joint. Research has shown that only a small number of patients suffered from this complication and required re-do surgery. Small size female and specific implant were found to be related to these complications.

How long does it take to recover from a hip resurfacing procedure?

Regarding the recovery from hip resurfacing, normally patients start walking on the same day of surgery and go home the following day. Walking aids will be used for a period of four to six weeks. Patients can return to office based work or light activities six weeks after surgery. The return to high impact types of sport will be after six months.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Mr Tumia, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile.

By Mr Nezar Tumia

Orthopaedic surgery in Tyne and Wear

Mr Nezar Tumia is an esteemed orthopaedic consultant surgeon, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. With over 25 years of experience, Mr Tumia is highly skilled in numerous orthopaedic procedures, specialising in hip and knee surgery, notably partial and total replacements, revision (redo) surgeries, and the treatment of sport-related knee and hip injuries with keyhole surgery. Mr Tumia earned his intercollegiate fellowship qualification from the Royal College of Edinburgh after finishing...

By Mr Nezar Tumia
Orthopaedic surgery

Mr Nezar Tumia is an esteemed orthopaedic consultant surgeon, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. With over 25 years of experience, Mr Tumia is highly skilled in numerous orthopaedic procedures, specialising in hip and knee surgery, notably partial and total replacements, revision (redo) surgeries, and the treatment of sport-related knee and hip injuries with keyhole surgery.

Mr Tumia earned his intercollegiate fellowship qualification from the Royal College of Edinburgh after finishing his high specialist training in Scotland. During his training, he travelled to Toronto, Canada to complement his surgical experience. He was awarded the Doctorate of Medicine degree by the University of Aberdeen for his research into meniscal regeneration and a project on knee cartilage engineering.

Mr Tumia has developed a special interest in partial knee (unicondylar and patellofemoral replacement) and total knee replacements, including complex revision (redo) reconstruction surgery. He is also interested in hip replacement including hip resurfacing, ceramic replacement, and complex redo reconstruction surgery. Mr Tumia’s practice also includes knee and hip arthroscopy (keyhole) concerning sports-related injuries. He has performed a large amount of knee and hip replacements, both complex and standard, partial and total. He has achieved high patient satisfaction. Mr Tumia has a private practice at the Nuffield Health, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospital.

Alongside his clinical work, Mr Tumia was involved in research, and his work was published and presented both nationally and internationally. In 2009, he won the best paper award in Germany.