Hip replacement (prosthesis)

Prosthetic replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum:

Hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to address hip pain. The surgery replaces parts of the hip joint with artificial implants. The hip joint consists of a ball (at the top of the femur, also known as the thigh bone) and a socket (in the pelvis, also known as the hip bone). Hip replacement surgery includes replacement of one or both parts. The goal of the procedure is to allow you to resume daily activities and exercise with less pain.

Why Is Hip Replacement Surgery Done?

Conditions that can damage the hip joint, sometimes making hip replacement surgery necessary, include:

Osteoarthritis

Commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis damages the slick cartilage that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Caused by an overactive immune system, rheumatoid arthritis produces a type of inflammation that can erode cartilage and occasionally underlying bone, resulting in damaged and deformed joints.

Osteonecrosis

If there isn't enough blood supplied to the ball portion of the hip joint, such as might result from a dislocation or fracture, the bone might collapse and deform.

Hip replacement may be an option if hip pain:

• Persists, despite pain medication
• Worsens with walking, even with a cane or walker
• Interferes with sleep
• Affects the ability to walk up or down stairs
• Makes it difficult to rise from a seated position

What are the different types of hip replacement surgery?

The three major types of hip replacement are:

• total hip replacement (most common)
• partial hip replacement
• hip resurfacing

The most common type of hip replacement surgery is called a total hip replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty). In this surgery, worn-out or damaged sections of your hip are replaced with artificial implants. The socket is replaced with a durable plastic cup, which may or may not also include a titanium metal shell. Your femoral head will be removed and replaced with a ball made from ceramic or a metal alloy. The new ball is attached to a metal stem that is inserted into the top of your femur.