Hip replacement
Conventional total hip replacements are a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a ceramic, metal or plastic implant. The resultant artificial joint is designed to move just like a healthy hip.
Total hip replacement involves replacing the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). The metal stem of the new hip is implanted into the damaged portion of the femur, which is fashioned to accommodate the stem using special instruments. The femoral head is replaced with an artificial ball at the top of the femur, typically made of metal or ceramic. The hip socket (into which the ball fits) is lined with an artificial liner made of ceramic, polyethylene (a durable, wear-resistant plastic) or metal, backed with a metal shell. The liner allows for smooth and painless movement of the ball in the hip socket.
The artificial joint may be cemented in position or wedged securely in place without cement. In a ‘cementless’ fixation, the surface of the implant is covered in a special coral-like coating. Over time, the patient's natural bone grows through the pores of the coating, attaching the artificial joint to the hip's natural remaining bone structure .
Total hip replacement has been demonstrated to be a successful procedure. They are commonplace in terms of the numbers of operations carried out and as reported by the National Joint Registry (NJR)(1), around 45,000 hip replacements are conducted in the UK each year – around 200 every working day.
1. National Joint Registry (NJR|) 6th Annual Report.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
