A hip replacement involves replacing your hip joint with an artificial version. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. A hip replacement provides a long-term solution for worn or damaged hip joints, which can cause severe pain and loss of mobility.
At least 50,000 total hip replacements a year are carried out in Britain.
The operation replaces both the natural socket (the acetabulum) and the rounded ball at the head of the thigh-bone (the femoral head) with artificial parts. These parts replicate the natural motion of the hip joint.
Hip resurfacing
Total hip replacement surgery is usually very successful, but it can be invasive and require a lengthy recovery period. An alternative method, known as metal-on-metal hip resurfacing, involves replacing the diseased or damaged surfaces in the hip joint with metal plating, which requires less prosthetics and less bone removal.
Hip resurfacing can be considered for people with advanced hip disease. Resurfacing is likely to last longer than a conventional replacement joint. Because the technique is still relatively new, it is not known precisely how long the resurfacing will last.
All types of hip replacement surgery are beneficial, offering an end to joint pain, increased mobility and a better quality of life.
