Judy Foreman reports on an alternative to hip surgery that, "propelled by aggressive marketing featuring pictures of vigorous, youngish athletes, is sweeping the United States: hip resurfacing."
She reports on one man who had it done, and whose surgeon is among those who "are worried about the rate at which doctors, most of whom are still on a steep learning curve for this technically demanding procedure, are jumping to do it."
She quotes another surgeon who advises that if a surgeon recommends hip resurfacing, "Run away as fast as you can. Or limp out of that office. There is no advantage and many disadvantages. It won't give you anything more than a total hip replacement, and with some significant downsides."
Good article. Good snapshot of medical technology assessment (or lack thereof) - especially when it comes to surgical procedures.