Hip joint replacement - series—Procedure, part 1

Overview

Hip joint replacement is surgery to replace all or part of the hip joint with a man-made or artificial joint. The artificial joint is called a prosthesis. The artificial hip joint has 4 parts:

• A socket that replaces your old hip socket. The socket is usually made of metal.
• A liner that fits inside the socket. It is usually plastic, but some surgeons use ceramic and metal. The liner allows the hip to move smoothly.
• A metal or ceramic ball that will replace the round head (top) of your thighbone.
• A metal stem that is attached to the shaft of the bone.

After you receive anesthesia, your surgeon will make an incision (cut) to open up your hip joint. Then your surgeon will:

• Remove the head of your thigh (femur) bone.
• Clean out your hip socket and remove the remaining cartilage and damaged or arthritic bone.