A university health study has found an increased risk of surgical complications for people who opt for hip resurfacing surgery over the age of 55.

Hip resurfacing surgery is where the femur is reshaped opposed to replaced like in more traditional surgery.

This may be beneficial for younger patients who want to return to high impact sports, which might not be possible with an artificial joint.

However, a Rush University Medical Center study of 537 hip resurfacing surgeries showed serious complications in 32 cases with the femur cracking in ten requiring further surgery.

People’s age and gender were factors, researchers at Rush University said.

Lead author of the report Dr Craig Della Valle explained that women had softer bones when they got older while men’s bones were bigger.

"But despite its benefits, risks remain," he said, adding that the procedure was not ideal for everyone.

Health organization Bupa does not recommend hip resurfacing for people over the age of 55.