Comparison of bone removed during total hip arthroplasty with a resurfacing or conventional femoral component: a cadaveric study.

We sought to examine the amount of bone removed during total hip arthroplasty with a resurfacing femoral component, compared to with a conventional, stemmed femoral component, by using 6 male and 4 female cadaveric pelves with attached bilateral proximal femora. Using randomized assignment and order, a total hip arthroplasty with a resurfacing femoral implant was performed on one side, and total hip arthroplasty with a cementless, stemmed femoral implant was performed on the contralateral side. The relationship between native femoral head diameter and the implanted acetabular socket was on average within 2 mm for both procedures. No significant difference was observed in the amount of acetabular bone removed (9.8 g for hip resurfacing vs 8.8 g). However, a resurfacing component resulted in approximated 3 x less bone removal from the femur (25.8 g vs 75.1 g). This study shows that the preservation of femoral bone with a resurfacing femoral component does not result in an increased removal of acetabular bone when compared to the use of a conventional, stemmed femoral component.