Hip Arthritis
Hip Anatomy
The healthy hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is at the top of the thighbone (femur), and the socket (acetabulum) is in the hipbone (pelvis). The connection allows the leg to move in a variety of positions. The ball and socket are each covered with cartilage that lubricates and cushions the bones during movement.
Arthritis is a term that is used to describe over 100 different kinds of conditions that can affect the human body. There are millions of Americans who are affected by arthritis each year. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion in affected joints.
Hip Replacement Procedure
The bones in the hip are exposed by an incision. The damaged sections of bone are removed to make room for the replacement components. The thighbone receives a metal alloy stem and ball, and the pelvis receives a metal cup and liner. Traditionally, the metal cup is lined with polyethylene (plastic) to act as healthy cartilage. However, modern technology has allowed advancements in both metal and ceramic liners. These components now give the patient and surgeon additional options for hip replacement. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific condition and may be able to tell you which option will provide the most favorable results.
