The Hip Of The Future

Photo: Floyd Landis

For younger, active people, resurfacing is often a better option than a total hip replacement, says Treacy. In a traditional replacement, the hip socket is filled with a plastic-lined cup, the head and neck of the femur are removed, and a metal shaft is inserted into the thighbone. "Some regard it as a partial amputation," Treacy says. He also points out that the typical hip-replacement candidate makes approximately 1 million cycles, or hip movements, per year. But pro cyclists such as Landis make about 30 million cycles yearly, Treacy estimates; they'd quickly wear out a metal-on-plastic joint.

During BHR, the surgeon shaves some bone off the pelvis, then inserts a polished high-carbide-chrome cup into the hip socket. Then the femoral head is smoothed and capped with metal. "In Floyd's case, this part was difficult," says Treacy--Landis's femoral head had deteriorated to the point that his right leg was nearly an inch shorter than his left. During the two-hour procedure, Treacy was able to correct the discrepancy. "Fortunately, I've done nearly 3,500 of these," he says.

So far, the operation appears to have been a success--Landis pedaled for 10 minutes on a stationary bike just six days after surgery, at about 100 watts. Later that week, he presented medals at the U.S. track cycling nationals in Los Angeles. Landis aims to race the '07 cycling season, but the outcome of his upcoming doping case could affect his plans.