Hip Resurfacing Surgery

A Modern Solution for Active Patients Who Want More Than a Standard Hip Replacement

If you’ve been told you need a hip replacement — but you’re still active, still training, still working hard, or simply not ready to slow down — hip resurfacing may be the better option.

Hip resurfacing is designed for people who want to keep moving. It preserves more of your natural bone, offers excellent stability, and can support a higher level of activity than traditional hip replacement — when performed on the right patient, by the right surgeon. At Dr Mike Millar’s practice, hip resurfacing is a modern, carefully selected solution for active individuals who want to return to full function.

What is Hip Resurfacing?

Unlike a total hip replacement, which removes the head of the femur, hip resurfacing preserves your natural bone structure.

• The femoral head is reshaped and capped

• The socket is replaced with a durable implant

• Your natural anatomy is maintained and optimised

This creates a joint that behaves more like a natural hip — particularly under load and movement.

Why Consider Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing isn’t for everyone. But for the right patient, it offers clear advantages.

Bone Preservation

Hip resurfacing retains more of your natural femur, which can be particularly important for younger patients. If revision surgery is ever required in the future, there is more bone to work with, making options easier and more predictable.

Stability and Confidence in Movement

Because resurfacing uses a larger, more anatomical head size, it offers:

• Lower risk of dislocation

• Improved joint stability

• Greater confidence during dynamic movement

For active patients, this matters.

Designed for Active Lifestyles

Hip resurfacing is often the preferred option for patients who want to return to:

• Sport

• Strength training

• Physically demanding work

• High levels of general activity

It is built to handle load — not just daily walking.

A More Natural Feel

Many patients report that a resurfaced hip feels:

• More “normal”

• More stable under load

• More predictable in movement

This is largely due to the preservation of natural anatomy and biomechanics.

A Modern Approach to Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing has undergone a significant evolution. While earlier implant designs — particularly metal-on-metal systems — raised legitimate concerns, advances in materials, engineering and surgical technique have redefined what is now possible. In carefully selected patients, modern hip resurfacing offers a durable, bone-preserving solution that supports an active lifestyle.

At Dr Mike Millar’s practice, this approach is defined by:

• The use of advanced implant systems, including ceramic technologies

• A muscle-sparing direct anterior approach, selected to minimise tissue disruption

• Meticulous pre-operative planning, focused on precision, alignment and long-term performance

• Disciplined patient selection — recognising that optimal outcomes depend on choosing the right procedure for the right individual

Who is Hip Resurfacing Best For?

Hip resurfacing is typically suited to:

• Active men and women

• Patients with good bone quality

• Those looking to maintain a high level of physical activity

• Patients wanting to preserve bone for the future

It may not be suitable for:

• Patients with poor bone quality

• Certain anatomical or medical conditions

• Lower-demand patients where a standard replacement is more appropriate

The key is careful assessment and honest advice.

Why Choose Dr Mike Millar for Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a technically demanding procedure. It requires precision, judgement and experience.

Dr Mike Millar offers:

• A strong focus on active and athletic patients

• Advanced training in hip preservation and reconstruction

• Experience with modern resurfacing techniques and implants

• One of the few surgeons in Australia performing anterior hip resurfacing

• A clear commitment to achieving functional, real-world outcomes

 It is about delivering the right outcome for the individual patient.

Resurfacing vs Hip Replacement — What’s Right for You?

For some patients, hip resurfacing is the best option. For others, a modern hip replacement may be more appropriate.

Dr Millar will guide you through:

• Your diagnosis

• Your activity goals

• Your anatomy and bone quality

• The risks and benefits of each option

So you can make a decision based on your own individual goals and activity levels.

Get Back to Moving Properly

If hip pain is holding you back, the goal is not just to reduce pain. It’s to restore movement, strength and confidence. Hip resurfacing may be the right step.

Book a consultation with Dr Mike Millar

Get a clear, expert opinion on your options. Dr Mike Millar offers expert care grounded in precision, judgement and a genuine commitment to helping patients reclaim an active life.