What is involved in a total hip replacement?

With age, the weight-bearing surfaces of the hip joint become worn away. They are no longer smooth and free running, and this leads to stiffness and pain. Eventually, the joint wears away to such an extent that the bone of the acetabulum (pelvis) rubs on the head of the femur. A total hip replacement replaces these surfaces with a new ball-and-socket joint. The femoral replacement is a metal stem that fits snugly inside the femur (thigh-bone), with a metal head (ball) on the top. The acetabular component (socket) is a metal shell with a polyethylene liner. Thus the hip is ‘replaced’ by a metal and plastic joint. To be able to replace the hip joint, a 20cm incision is made down the side of your hip. Muscles are released to gain access to the arthritic joint. Specialised instruments are used for shaping of the bone so that the joint replacement components sit snugly in the bone. Bone cement may be used to hold the components in place.