Hip Replacement Surgery
Normal hip joint
Osteoarthritis of the hip
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that protects and cushions the joints breaks down over time. As the cartilage wears down, the bone surfaces rub against each other. This damages the tissue and bone, which then causes pain. The joint space in this hip joint is narrowed due to cartilage loss and bone spur formation.
Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from hip socket and femur
Removal of cartilage from the hip socket (acetabulum) and removal of the upper end of the femur
Hip socket component is placed
Placement of metal acetabular component
Femoral component is placed
Placement of metal femoral component
Hip replacement is complete
Completed hip replacement
Last Revised: April 8, 2011
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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