Total resurfacing might seem new, but it has been around for many years. In the 1970s and '80s there were several partial and total resurfacing devices implanted around the world. Many of these devices were constructed of metal-on-plastic components and were poorly made. Osteolysis (bone degeneration) and subsequent implant loosening was the number one cause of failure in these first generation total resurfacing devices.

With the introduction of hard bearings such as metal-on-metal, there was renewed interest in total resurfacing. Today's metal-on-metal devices are manufactured with precision to allow for optimal fluid film lubrication between the two components, and the procedure uses naturally large anatomic head sizes.

In Wright’s CONSERVE® PLUS IDE clinical study, there were two reports of osteolysis - with many patients followed as many as 9 years from their initial surgery date.⁵

Hip resurfacing is a popular option among physicians and patients alike because of its bone-conserving nature. Preservation of both the femoral neck and head reduces the complexity of revision, should one ever become necessary.