[island911]

My research may be dated, (circ 2005) but here goes;

Thin-film bearings; the cobalt chrome (metal/metal) makes for the best bearing surface. Decades ago, precision was tough to have reliable repeatable results with metal. Now, they seem to have it dialed in. The ceramics can have some catastrophic failures - it's just simply not as tough as 'steel.'

if you can get by with just a resurfacing thats great. Paul, you should be looking at THR, which will square you up. Lot's of modular components exist for custom sizing to meet your needs.

They either cut a lot of muscle, going in, or do the minimal approach which has poor visibility. --I expect that the resurfacing can be done with the minimally invasive approach, ...the THR not so much.

You are not supposed to run after any of these, due to worries of impact to the joint. From what I saw of the metal/metal testing, high loading of the bearing was not an issue. But, the metal joint is not as soft/damping as the OE, so, like solid engine mounts, it will feel different, because it is.

Oh, and from what I recall, the hip Sx is one the most satisfying Sx people have done. --life changing for many.

Also, because it's a pivot-only joint, long-term success is higher than knee-replacements (where the joint has to both slide, and pivot)