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Steps of a Hip Replacement

By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com

Updated: January 12, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Placement of the Stem

With the bone prepared to accept the stem of the hip replacement implant, the femoral stem is inserted. The stem can be held in the bone with or without cement.

When the bone is held with cement, the cement is inserted in a liquid form, and the stem is then placed. Within a few minutes, the cement permanently hardens to hold the implant fixed within the bone.

When no cement is used, the implant is called "press-fit." This means that the implant is wedged tightly into the bone. A rough surface covering the implant allows bone to grow into the implant over time.

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  8. Steps of a Hip Replacement - Placement of the Stem

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