Total hip replacement surgery substitutes the damaged bone and cartilage of the joint with polyethylene (a plastic material) or ceramic and metallic components.
A hip prosthesis is an artificial articulation composed of a femoral stem with a head (sphere) and a socket cup (acetabular shell and liner, if any).
The femoral stem is made of metal (usually a Titanium or Cobalt Chrome alloy or stainless steel). The head is made of ceramic or metal. The cup consists of 1 or 2 pieces, depending on the procedure: cemented (usually only one component of polyethylene) or cementless (metallic acetabular shell and liner). In the case of a metallic acetabular shell a ceramic or polyethylene liner articulates against the head. All the materials used for hip arthroplasty are highly biocompatible.
With almost 70 years of history, total hip replacement surgery is a very common and safe procedure for the treatment of severe arthritis.
The main benefits of a successful total hip replacement are:
The pain will be rapidly and dramatically reduced and usually eliminated.
Your hip will function with less effort, almost regaining your original mobility.
Your everyday activities and your social life will no longer be limited by pain
and reduced mobility.
