Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery, or hip arthroplasty, provides pain relief and restores movement to people who have hip pain or stiffness.
Most hip replacements are performed to remedy hip arthritis. This is where cartilage between the bones of the hip joint wears down. The bones then scrape together, causing more damage, as well as pain and stiffness. Arthritis of the hip can make it painful for a person to walk or even to get in or out of a chair. Not all patients need surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications can sometimes offer sufficient pain relief. When they do not, a person should meet with an orthopedic surgeon. This surgery can also be used to fix injuries such as bone breaks, hips that grow incorrectly, and other conditions.

Most people who get a hip replacement have these symptoms:

1. Severe pain that gets in the way of their work and everyday activities
2. Pain that is not relieved by taking anti-inflammatory medications

Anatomy of the Hip Joint
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball, at the top of the femur (thighbone), is called the femoral head. The socket, called the acetabulum, is a part of the pelvis. The ball rotates in the socket, allowing the leg to move forward, backward, and sideways.
Soft tissue called cartilage covers the ball and the socket to help them glide together smoothly. If this cartilage wears down or gets damaged, the bones scrape together and become rough. This causes pain and can make it difficult to move the leg.

Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
The most common type of hip replacement surgery is called a total hip replacement (THR). In this surgery, worn-out or damaged sections of the hip are replaced with artificial implants. The socket is replaced with a titanium metal shell and a plastic liner. The femoral head is 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 the femur. (Learn more about types of hip implants.)
The two most common surgical approaches are called the posterior approach and anterior approach. To begin the operation, the hip replacement surgeon will make incisions on either the back (posterior) or front (anterior) of the hip. Both approaches offer rapid recovery, pain relief, and improvements in walking within weeks of surgery.

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