Like the acetabular socket, the femoral stem must be held tightly in the bone. Special tools are used to shape the center of the thigh bone to accommodate the femoral stem.
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
Now that the socket has been addressed, attention can turn to the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint. The ball is supported with an implant inserted down the hollow center of the thigh bone (femur). This implant is called the femoral stem.
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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