Resurfacing spares bone instead of replacing it
 Unlike a total hip replacement (THR), the BIRMINGHAM HIP resurfaces the joint. The worn cartilage and damaged first layer of bone are removed and a fresh, low-wearing metal surface is installed. Total hip replacements require the removal of the upper segment of bone, the hollowing out of the upper half of the leg bone, and a large spike fixed to this upper bone, replacing the top part of the femur.
For either procedure, the socket is prepared by shaving off the damaged cartilage and the first layer of bone. An appropriately sized replacement socket is pressed into the bone. For the BIRMINGHAM HIP, this socket has a new low-wear metal surface on the inside. For a THR, the socket often will instead accept a liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal.
To prepare the head, or ball, of the hip for a BIRMINGHAM HIP head, the cartilage and first layer of bone are shaved off as well. The appropriately sized head is pressed onto the prepared bone, with bone cement used to fill any gaps and holes in the bone.
For a THR, the head and neck of the leg bone are removed. A cavity is opened up in the upper portion of the leg bone to fit the stem of the THR. The stem is pressed into place and a ball is placed onto the stem. This new head is often much smaller than the patient's original head.
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