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Ceramic Hip Resurfacing in Canada

Bone-Preserving Solutions for Active Patients — Available to U.S. Patients

Hip resurfacing is an advanced alternative to total hip replacement that preserves more of your natural bone while helping maintain stability, mobility, and an active lifestyle.

Unlike many centers that offer only a single treatment approach, Dr. John Antoniou provides a comprehensive hip resurfacing program offering both traditional metal hip resurfacing and advanced ceramic hip resurfacing. Every patient receives a personalized evaluation to determine the implant and procedure best suited to their anatomy, bone quality, activity level, and long-term goals.

An important recent development is that the ceramic hip resurfacing device used in Canada is now a medical device licensed by Health Canada. This comes alongside published five-year clinical research and national registry data reporting encouraging outcomes for ceramic hip resurfacing.

U.S. patients travel to Montréal for specialized hip resurfacing with immediate access to private surgical care and personalized treatment planning.

Patients benefit from:

  • Personalized implant selection
  • Access to both ceramic and metal hip resurfacing
  • Health Canada-licensed ceramic resurfacing technology
  • Immediate scheduling
  • Private surgical care
  • Competitive pricing starting at $19,800 CAD (approximately $14,500 USD, depending on exchange rates)

What Is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving alternative to traditional total hip replacement designed for carefully selected patients with hip arthritis or other degenerative hip conditions.

Unlike total hip replacement, which removes the femoral head and replaces it with a stem inserted into the femur, hip resurfacing preserves the femoral head and neck by resurfacing the damaged joint surfaces.

By preserving more of the natural anatomy, hip resurfacing may offer:

  • Bone preservation
  • Excellent joint stability
  • Greater range of motion
  • More natural hip biomechanics
  • An attractive option for active individuals
  • Potentially easier future revision if required

Today, hip resurfacing may be performed using either traditional metal implants or newer ceramic technology. The most appropriate option depends on each patient’s anatomy, bone quality, activity level, and individual goals.

Dr. Antoniou performs both traditional metal and advanced ceramic hip resurfacing, allowing treatment recommendations to be individualized rather than based on a single implant technology.

Ceramic Hip Resurfacing Is Now Licensed in Canada

Ceramic hip resurfacing has reached an important regulatory milestone in Canada.

In August 2026, Health Canada confirmed that the ceramic resurfacing device used for this procedure is a licensed medical device in Canada. Individual authorization through Health Canada’s Special Access Programme is therefore no longer required.

The ceramic resurfacing components are licensed under Medical Device Licence #115850, authorizing their importation and sale in Canada.

For U.S. patients considering treatment in Montréal, this means ceramic hip resurfacing can now be accessed using a medical device licensed within Canada’s medical-device regulatory framework, without requiring patient-specific Special Access authorization.

The procedure remains highly specialized, and appropriate patient selection and surgical expertise continue to be essential.

Ceramic Hip Resurfacing: Published 5-Year Data

The Health Canada licensing milestone comes alongside a growing body of published evidence regarding ceramic hip resurfacing.

Recent published research and national joint registry data have reported encouraging outcomes through five years of follow-up.

Up to 99.5% Reported Survivorship at 5 Years

National joint registry data has reported survivorship rates of up to 99.5% at five years following ceramic hip resurfacing.

98% Survivorship in 604 Procedures

An international multicenter study involving 604 ceramic hip resurfacing procedures reported 98% survivorship at five years.

Encouraging Outcomes in Men and Women

Published five-year research reported encouraging outcomes in both male and female patients, with no statistically significant difference in revision risk between the two groups.

Encouraging Outcomes Across Implant Sizes

Published research also reported encouraging outcomes across different implant sizes, with no significant difference in revision risk based on implant size.

Improvements in Function and Activity

Published research reported significant improvements in patient-reported hip function and activity levels following ceramic hip resurfacing.

Together, the availability of published five-year clinical outcomes, national registry data, and Health Canada licensing represents an important evolution in the evidence and availability surrounding ceramic hip resurfacing.

Longer-term follow-up remains important and will continue to provide additional information about implant performance over time.

Why U.S. Patients Choose Hip Resurfacing in Canada

1. Access to Specialized Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a highly specialized procedure performed by relatively few surgeons in North America.

Many orthopedic centers focus primarily on total hip replacement, leading some active patients to seek surgeons with dedicated experience in bone-preserving hip resurfacing.

In Montréal, appropriately selected U.S. patients can access both traditional metal and ceramic hip resurfacing within a private surgical setting.

2. A Comprehensive Hip Resurfacing Program

Dr. John Antoniou is among the surgeons in North America offering both traditional metal and advanced ceramic hip resurfacing.

Rather than recommending the same implant technology for every patient, treatment is individualized according to:

  • Anatomy
  • Bone quality
  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Medical history
  • Long-term expectations

This allows the decision to focus on which surgical approach is most appropriate for the individual patient.

3. Access to Health Canada-Licensed Ceramic Technology

For patients interested in a metal-free resurfacing option, the ceramic hip resurfacing device used for this procedure is now licensed in Canada.

Health Canada confirmed in August 2026 that individual authorization through the Special Access Programme is no longer required because the device is licensed.

This provides U.S. patients traveling to Montréal access to a metal-free resurfacing option supported by published five-year clinical and registry data.

4. Bone-Preserving Treatment Options

Hip resurfacing is designed to preserve as much natural bone as possible while relieving pain and restoring function.

Depending on your individual characteristics, either ceramic or metal resurfacing may provide an appropriate balance of durability, mobility, and long-term function.

5. Transparent, Competitive Pricing

Private hip resurfacing starts at:

$19,800 CAD

Approximately $14,500 USD, depending on exchange rates

This includes:

  • Private surgical centre
  • Anesthesia
  • Operative care
  • Post-operative follow-up

For U.S. patients, the Canadian dollar exchange rate can make specialized private orthopedic care in Montréal particularly competitive.

6. Immediate Access — No Wait Lists

Patient care takes place in a modern private surgical setting, offering:

  • Priority scheduling
  • Remote pre-operative coordination
  • Personalized care for medical travelers
  • Direct access to the surgical team

The initial evaluation can begin remotely, allowing U.S. patients to determine whether they may be candidates before making travel arrangements.

Who Is a Candidate?

Hip resurfacing may be appropriate for patients who:

  • Lead an active lifestyle
  • Want to preserve as much natural bone as possible
  • Have hip arthritis affecting their quality of life
  • Wish to maintain a high level of physical activity
  • Are seeking an alternative to total hip replacement
  • Have appropriate bone quality
  • Want a durable, bone-preserving solution

A comprehensive consultation is required to determine whether hip resurfacing is appropriate based on your anatomy, bone quality, activity level, overall health, and long-term goals.

Which Type of Hip Resurfacing Is Right for You?

Not every patient benefits from the same implant technology.

Dr. Antoniou offers both traditional metal hip resurfacing and ceramic hip resurfacing, allowing treatment to be tailored to each individual’s needs.

Ceramic Hip Resurfacing

Ceramic hip resurfacing combines the bone-preserving principles of resurfacing with a ceramic bearing surface that avoids metal-on-metal articulation.

It may be considered for patients who:

  • Prefer a metal-free bearing surface
  • Wish to avoid metal ion exposure
  • May not be ideal candidates for traditional metal resurfacing
  • Want a bone-preserving solution using advanced ceramic materials
  • Have anatomy and bone quality appropriate for hip resurfacing

The ceramic resurfacing device is now licensed by Health Canada, and published clinical and registry data has reported encouraging outcomes through five years of follow-up.

Metal Hip Resurfacing

Traditional metal hip resurfacing has more than two decades of clinical experience and continues to provide excellent results in carefully selected patients.

It may be appropriate for patients who:

  • Have excellent bone quality
  • Lead a highly active lifestyle
  • Have larger femoral head anatomy
  • Meet appropriate anatomical criteria
  • Are well suited to a procedure with extensive long-term clinical experience

Following a detailed assessment, Dr. Antoniou will recommend whether ceramic hip resurfacing, traditional metal hip resurfacing, or total hip replacement is the most appropriate solution for your individual condition.

Alternatives to Hip Resurfacing

Depending on your anatomy, bone quality, age, and long-term goals, hip resurfacing may not always be the most appropriate procedure.

Conventional Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is a highly successful and widely performed procedure that remains the best treatment option for many individuals depending on their anatomy, bone quality, age, and severity of joint damage.

Every patient receives a personalized treatment recommendation following consultation.

Considerations Regarding Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a highly specialized procedure that requires careful patient selection and significant surgical expertise.

Important considerations include:

  • Not every patient is a candidate
  • Implant selection should be individualized
  • Bone quality is an important factor
  • Lifestyle and activity goals help guide treatment recommendations
  • Long-term success depends on appropriate patient selection and surgical technique
  • Individual outcomes vary according to anatomy, health, and overall condition

For ceramic hip resurfacing specifically, published studies and registry data have now reported encouraging survivorship and functional outcomes through five years of follow-up. Longer-term follow-up remains important and will continue to provide additional information about implant performance.

A comprehensive consultation helps determine the most appropriate treatment option for each patient.

Why Choose Dr. John Antoniou?

  • Over 15,000 hip & knee procedures performed
  • One of the only surgeons worldwide offering ceramic resurfacing
  • ReCerf™ clinical trial surgeon
  • Member of the Hip Society and International Hip Society
  • Private, state-of-the-art surgical centre
  • Dedicated U.S. patient travel coordination
  • Proven expertise in both ceramic and metal resurfacing

Dr. Antoniou provides exceptional, personalized care to ensure patients achieve the highest level of function and long-term success.

Real Stories, Life-Changing Results

Dr. Antoniou was great. I have Paget's in my left hip and femur. Dr Antoniou had operated on people with this problem. He had to so some straightening out for my femur and it worked well. Had to wait for less then a week to have the operation. Would have had to wait at least another year to go through our health system. Was in a situation where I could hardly walk as I had bone on bone. Health care system did not care. Told me to just wait. Can now do fun things with my grandkids.
Don Masse
I was extremely pleased with the surgery and recovery time from my bilateral hip surgery. The post op care was excellent at the clinic and my recovery was uneventful. I followed Dr Antoniou's recommendation to do both hips at the same time as the recovery is only slightly longer than for one hip. He forecasted that I would be back to riding my horse in 4 months after surgery and I was able to achieve that. It's now been 5 months, I'm riding every second day and life is virtually back to normal. It's been a great experience.
Jacek Morawski
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional care I received from Dr. John Antoniou and the entire team at Westmount Square Surgical Center. From my very first consultation to my post surgery recovery, every step of the process was handled with professionalism, kindness and expertise. Dr. Antoniou took the time to explain everything in detail, ensuring I felt confident and informed about my hip replacement surgery. Their skill and precision made all the difference in my recovery.
Roy McLachlan
My experience with a bilateral hip replacement was Excellent! Very professional and highly competent. Dr. Antoniou Explained everything so well which was reassuring to me. Maria and staff were not only prompt but truly comforting to me in answering my questions. I highly recommend Dr. Antoniou and team. Very grateful for a surgery well done! Cynthia gillingham moxness
Ralph Moxness
Dr. John Antoniou is an exceptional surgeon. My experience with having my hip replaced through the Westmount Ortho Clinic was amazing. He, and his team, took the time to thoroughly answer all of my questions to properly prepare me for the surgery. I travelled from Calgary to Montreal because I wanted the best surgeon. I highly recommend Dr. Antoniou to all choosing to have a hip replacement operation.
Karen Brown
Outstanding from the very first phone call. I had a double hip replacement and now 7 months later I’m fully recovered with zero pain and full mobility. Dr Antoniou is a very skilled surgeon and I would not hesitate to recommend.
Elise Williamson

5-Star Average on

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Ceramic Hip Resurfacing Licensed in Canada?

Yes. The ceramic hip resurfacing device used for this procedure is now a licensed medical device in Canada.

In August 2026, Health Canada confirmed that individual authorization through the Special Access Programme is no longer required because the device is licensed under Medical Device Licence #115850.

2. What Are the Latest Results for Ceramic Hip Resurfacing?

Published research and national joint registry data have reported encouraging outcomes through five years of follow-up.

National registry data has reported survivorship of up to 99.5% at five years, while an international multicenter study involving 604 ceramic hip resurfacing procedures reported 98% survivorship at five years.

Published research has also reported encouraging outcomes in men and women and across different implant sizes, as well as significant improvements in function and activity levels.

3. Can U.S. Patients Have Hip Resurfacing in Canada?

Yes. Dr. John Antoniou evaluates U.S. patients considering both ceramic and traditional metal hip resurfacing in Montréal.

The initial evaluation can begin remotely with a consultation and review of appropriate medical imaging. If you are an appropriate candidate, the team can then provide information regarding surgery, scheduling, travel, and postoperative follow-up.

4. Should I Choose Ceramic or Metal Hip Resurfacing?

There is no single implant that is best for every patient.

Ceramic hip resurfacing offers a metal-free bearing surface and now has published five-year clinical and registry data. Traditional metal hip resurfacing has a much longer clinical track record and continues to provide excellent outcomes in appropriately selected patients.

The decision depends on factors including your anatomy, bone quality, age, activity level, medical history, and long-term goals.

5. How Do I Know if I Am a Candidate for Hip Resurfacing?

Candidacy requires an individualized orthopedic evaluation.

Dr. Antoniou will review your medical history, symptoms, imaging, bone quality, anatomy, activity level, and long-term goals to determine whether ceramic resurfacing, metal resurfacing, or total hip replacement is most appropriate.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Start with a Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation that includes:

  • Review of medical history
  • Imaging analysis
  • Determination of candidacy
  • Discussion of ceramic vs metal resurfacing
  • Pricing and travel planning for U.S. patients

 

Book a Private Consultation to determine whether you qualify for ceramic or metal resurfacing.