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Steps of a Hip Replacement

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 28, 2010

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Placement of the Acetabular Component
Once the damaged bone has been removed from the acetabulum, the new socket of the hip replacement can be inserted. The socket of the pelvis is called the acetabulum, and the part of the hip replacement inserted into the socket is called the acetabular component. Some people also call this component the "cup."

The acetabular component is held tightly in the pelvis by making the socket slightly smaller than the acetabular component, and wedging the implant into the bone. The implant has a rough surface to allow bone to grow into the surface of the implant over time.

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