Ceramic Hip Resurfacing in Canada
Ceramic Hip Resurfacing in Canada for U.S. Patients
A Bone-Preserving Alternative to Hip Replacement — Available in Montréal
Explore advanced ceramic hip resurfacing with Dr. John Antoniou, an experienced orthopedic surgeon offering both ceramic and traditional metal hip resurfacing in Canada.
Hip resurfacing is a specialized alternative to total hip replacement that preserves more of your natural bone while helping maintain stability, mobility and an active lifestyle.
Access to hip resurfacing has become increasingly restricted in the United States. Ceramic hip resurfacing is not currently FDA-approved, and the discontinuation of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing implant production has further limited traditional metal resurfacing access.
In Montréal, Dr. Antoniou provides a comprehensive program with personalized implant selection based on anatomy, bone quality, activity level and long-term goals.
Request a Consultation →Initial evaluations may begin remotely before travel to Montréal.
Why U.S. Patients Are Exploring Hip Resurfacing in Canada
Hip resurfacing has long offered carefully selected patients a bone-preserving alternative to conventional total hip replacement. However, access to this specialized procedure in the United States has changed significantly.
Increasingly Restricted Access
Ceramic hip resurfacing is not currently FDA-approved in the United States. Smith+Nephew has discontinued production of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing implant, an important traditional metal resurfacing system.
Although other metal resurfacing systems have received historical FDA approval, their current commercial availability should be confirmed directly with U.S. providers and manufacturers.
Individualized Ceramic and Metal Options
Dr. Antoniou evaluates appropriately selected U.S. patients for both ceramic and traditional metal hip resurfacing within a private surgical program in Montréal.
The ceramic resurfacing device used for this procedure is licensed by Health Canada, allowing eligible patients to explore this technology within the Canadian regulatory framework.
Health Canada licensing does not constitute FDA approval. Access to surgery is subject to clinical suitability and scheduling.
Explore Your Treatment Options →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.
Preserving more of the natural anatomy may provide several potential advantages:
Bone Preservation
Retains more of the patient's natural femoral bone and neck.
Joint Stability
A larger femoral head may contribute to excellent joint stability and a lower risk of dislocation.
Range of Motion
May help preserve mobility and more natural hip biomechanics.
Active Lifestyles
May be an attractive option for appropriately selected active individuals.
Future Revision Options
Preserved femoral bone may provide advantages if revision surgery becomes necessary.
Individualized Implant Choice
Ceramic and metal options allow recommendations to reflect each patient's needs.
Today, hip resurfacing may be performed using traditional metal implants or newer ceramic technology. The most appropriate approach depends on anatomy, bone quality, activity level and individual goals.
Ceramic Hip Resurfacing Is Now Licensed in Canada
In August 2026, Health Canada confirmed that the ceramic resurfacing head and cup used for this procedure are licensed medical devices in Canada under Medical Device Licence #115850.
As a result, individual authorization through Health Canada's Special Access Programme is no longer required. The device is licensed for importation and sale in Canada.
For U.S. patients considering treatment in Montréal, this provides access to ceramic hip resurfacing within Canada's medical-device regulatory framework.
Licensing does not establish superiority over other implants or mean that every patient is a suitable candidate.
Medical Device Licence
Confirmed: August 2026
Device: Ceramic resurfacing head and cup
Special Access: Patient-specific authorization no longer required
Health Canada Database ↗Ceramic Hip Resurfacing: Published Five-Year Data
Published clinical research and national joint registry data have reported encouraging outcomes through five years of follow-up.
Up to Five-Year Survivorship
National joint registry data have reported implant survivorship of up to 99.5% at five years.
Survivorship in 604 Procedures
An international multicenter study involving 604 ceramic hip resurfacing procedures reported 98% survivorship at five years.
Procedures Studied
Research included male and female patients and different implant sizes.
Men and Women
Encouraging five-year results were reported in both groups, without a statistically significant difference in revision risk.
Different Implant Sizes
Encouraging outcomes were reported across implant sizes, with no statistically significant difference in revision risk by size.
Function and Activity
Published research reported improvements in patient-reported hip function and activity after surgery.
The registry and multicenter figures come from different observational cohorts and are not direct comparisons. Five-year outcomes do not guarantee individual results. Longer-term follow-up remains important. Exact academic references should be verified before publication.
Find Out if You're a Candidate →Six Reasons U.S. Patients Choose Hip Resurfacing in Canada
Specialized Hip Resurfacing Access
Hip resurfacing is performed by relatively few surgeons in North America. Dr. Antoniou provides access to bone-preserving treatment options in Montréal.
A Comprehensive Program
Both ceramic and traditional metal resurfacing are available for evaluation. Recommendations consider anatomy, bone quality, age, activity, medical history and long-term expectations.
Health Canada-Licensed Ceramic Technology
Eligible patients can explore a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing option licensed in Canada and supported by published five-year follow-up data.
Bone-Preserving Treatment
Resurfacing is designed to preserve more natural bone while addressing hip pain and functional limitations.
Transparent Private Pricing
Private hip resurfacing starts at $29,700 CAD, approximately $20,000 USD depending on exchange rates.
Coordinated Scheduling
Private surgical care, scheduling subject to availability, remote preoperative coordination and personalized travel planning.
An initial assessment can begin remotely, helping U.S. patients explore their candidacy before making travel arrangements.
Who Is a Candidate for Hip Resurfacing?
Hip resurfacing may be appropriate for carefully selected patients who wish to maintain an active lifestyle while preserving more natural bone.
You May Wish to Explore Resurfacing If You:
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Have hip arthritis affecting your quality of life
- Want to preserve as much natural bone as possible
- Wish to maintain a high level of physical activity
- Are seeking an alternative to total hip replacement
- Have appropriate bone quality
- Are interested in a durable, bone-preserving treatment approach
Your Evaluation Will Consider:
- Hip anatomy and femoral head size
- Bone density and bone quality
- Age and overall medical health
- Severity of arthritis and joint damage
- Current and desired activity levels
- Previous surgery and medical history
- Long-term functional goals
A comprehensive orthopedic consultation and appropriate imaging are necessary to determine whether ceramic resurfacing, metal resurfacing or total hip replacement is suitable.
Request a Candidacy Assessment →Which Type of Hip Resurfacing Is Right for You?
Not every patient benefits from the same implant technology. Dr. Antoniou offers both ceramic and traditional metal hip resurfacing, allowing treatment to be tailored to each patient's anatomy, bone quality and goals.
Ceramic Hip Resurfacing
Ceramic hip resurfacing combines bone preservation with a ceramic bearing surface that avoids traditional metal-on-metal articulation.
It may be considered for patients who:
- Prefer a metal-free bearing surface
- Wish to avoid metal ion exposure associated with metal-on-metal articulation
- May not be ideal candidates for traditional metal resurfacing
- Want bone-preserving surgery using advanced ceramic materials
- Have appropriate anatomy and bone quality
The device is licensed by Health Canada, with encouraging published outcomes through five years of follow-up.
Traditional Metal Hip Resurfacing
Traditional metal hip resurfacing has more than two decades of clinical experience and continues to be an appropriate option for selected patients.
It may be considered for patients who:
- Have excellent bone quality
- Lead a highly active lifestyle
- Have larger femoral head anatomy
- Meet established anatomical selection criteria
- May benefit from a technology with a longer clinical history
Metal-on-metal resurfacing has specific considerations involving metal ions and potential local tissue reactions.
The most appropriate implant is determined through individual assessment, not simply by choosing the newest technology.
Alternatives to Hip Resurfacing
Conventional Total Hip Replacement
Depending on anatomy, bone quality, age, severity of joint damage and long-term goals, hip resurfacing may not always be the most appropriate procedure.
Conventional total hip replacement is a highly successful and widely performed operation that remains the better treatment choice for many patients.
Dr. Antoniou provides personalized treatment recommendations following a comprehensive consultation.
Explore Total Hip Replacement →Three Potential Pathways
- Ceramic hip resurfacing
- Traditional metal hip resurfacing
- Conventional total hip replacement
The objective is to identify the approach that best matches each patient's clinical needs and long-term goals.
Considerations Regarding Hip Resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is a specialized procedure that requires careful patient selection and surgical expertise. Not every patient is a candidate, and outcomes vary with anatomy, bone quality, health, surgical technique and individual circumstances.
Important Selection Factors
- Implant selection must be individualized
- Bone quality is an essential consideration
- Activity goals help guide treatment decisions
- Clinical and imaging findings must be reviewed
- Long-term success depends on multiple factors
Potential Surgical Risks
Possible complications include infection, fracture, nerve injury, implant loosening, dislocation, and the need for revision surgery. Traditional metal-on-metal resurfacing has additional considerations related to metal ions and tissue reactions.
Ceramic bearing surfaces avoid metal-on-metal articulation but do not eliminate general surgical or implant-related risks.
Published five-year ceramic resurfacing data are encouraging, although longer-term follow-up remains important. A consultation allows patients to review potential benefits, risks and alternatives.
Why Choose Dr. John Antoniou?
Specialized Experience. Individualized Care.
Dr. John Antoniou provides specialized hip and knee reconstruction with an individualized approach to treatment selection and surgical planning.
With extensive surgical experience and access to both ceramic and traditional metal hip resurfacing, Dr. Antoniou helps patients evaluate their options based on anatomy, bone quality and activity goals.
Consult Dr. Antoniou →Hip and Knee Procedures
Extensive surgical experience in joint reconstruction.
Specialized Resurfacing Experience
Experience with both ceramic and traditional metal hip resurfacing.
Professional Memberships
Member of the Hip Society and International Hip Society.
Private Surgical Centre
Modern private surgical facilities in Montréal.
U.S. Patient Coordination
Support for remote evaluation, travel and scheduling arrangements.
Personalized Treatment
Recommendations based on clinical findings and individual goals.
Private Hip Resurfacing in Montréal
For U.S. patients, private surgical care in Canada offers a coordinated pathway to specialized hip resurfacing evaluation and treatment.
Starting surgical pricing includes the private surgical centre, anesthesia, operative care and postoperative follow-up as specified in the clinic's package.
Final pricing and inclusions are confirmed during treatment planning. The U.S. dollar equivalent varies with exchange rates.
Request Pricing and Availability →Approximately $20,000 USD
Private surgical centre · Anesthesia · Operative care · Postoperative follow-up
What U.S. Patients Can Expect
Request a Consultation
Share your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals with the clinic.
Medical and Imaging Review
Provide relevant records and scans. The initial assessment may begin remotely.
Personalized Recommendation
Review your candidacy for ceramic resurfacing, metal resurfacing or total hip replacement.
Surgery and Travel Planning
If appropriate, coordinate pricing, surgical scheduling, travel and preoperative arrangements.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Receive postoperative instructions and a follow-up plan that accounts for your return home.
Start Before You Travel
Contact the clinic to discuss which medical records and imaging are needed for an initial review.
Get Started →Real Stories, Life-Changing Results
Patient testimonials from the existing website. These experiences involve different procedures and are not evidence of ceramic hip resurfacing outcomes.
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
Confirm original testimonial wording and attribution before publication. One existing testimonial contains an apparent name inconsistency.
Answers for U.S. Patients Considering Hip Resurfacing
Is ceramic hip resurfacing licensed in Canada?
Yes. In August 2026, Health Canada confirmed that the ceramic resurfacing device used for this procedure is licensed under Medical Device Licence #115850. Individual Special Access Programme authorization is no longer required.
Is ceramic hip resurfacing FDA-approved in the United States?
The ceramic resurfacing system discussed on this page is not currently FDA-approved in the United States. Canadian licensing is separate from FDA approval. Eligible U.S. patients can explore treatment in Montréal under the applicable Canadian regulatory framework.
Is metal hip resurfacing still available in the United States?
Access has become increasingly restricted. Smith+Nephew has discontinued Birmingham Hip Resurfacing implant production. The availability of other historically FDA-approved metal resurfacing systems should be confirmed with U.S. providers and manufacturers.
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. Registry data have reported survivorship up to 99.5%, while an international multicenter study of 604 procedures reported 98% five-year survivorship. Research also reported encouraging results in men and women, across implant sizes, and improvements in function and activity. Longer-term follow-up remains important.
Can U.S. patients have hip resurfacing in Canada?
Yes. Dr. Antoniou evaluates U.S. patients considering ceramic and traditional metal hip resurfacing in Montréal. The initial evaluation may begin remotely with a consultation and appropriate medical imaging. If suitable, the team can discuss surgery, scheduling, travel and postoperative follow-up.
Should I choose ceramic or metal hip resurfacing?
There is no single implant that is best for every patient. Ceramic resurfacing avoids metal-on-metal bearing surfaces and has encouraging published five-year results. Traditional metal resurfacing has a longer clinical history. The appropriate choice depends on anatomy, bone quality, age, medical history, activity level and long-term goals.
How do I know if I am a candidate for hip resurfacing?
Candidacy requires an individualized orthopedic evaluation. Dr. Antoniou will review 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.
How much does hip resurfacing cost in Canada?
Private hip resurfacing currently starts at $29,700 CAD, approximately $20,000 USD depending on exchange rates. Final pricing and inclusions are confirmed during treatment planning.
Start With a Personalized Consultation
Your journey begins with an individualized evaluation that may include medical history review, imaging analysis, candidacy assessment, discussion of ceramic and metal resurfacing, and pricing and travel planning for U.S. patients.
Discover whether hip resurfacing may be an appropriate bone-preserving option for your needs.
Book a Private Consultation →What Your Consultation Can Cover
✓ Review of medical history
✓ Medical imaging analysis
✓ Assessment of candidacy
✓ Ceramic versus metal resurfacing
✓ Pricing, travel and surgery planning