To remove the worn out ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint, the bone is cut to remove the femoral head. In order to insert a new joint, the damaged bone and cartilage must first be removed.
Steps of a Hip Replacement
By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com Guide
Updated: January 12, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
The first step of a hip replacement surgery is to remove the damaged cartilage and bone. The hip joint has two sides, a ball (the femoral head), and the socket (the acetabulum). When the hip joint becomes arthritic, the normally smooth cartilage surface is worn away.
Prev
- Diagnosis of Hip Arthritis
- Removing the Worn Out Hip Joint Ball
- Removing the Worn Out Hip Joint Socket
- Placement of the Acetabular Component
- Preparing the Femur
- Placement of the Stem
- Insertion of the Ball
- Final Hip Replacement Implant
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