The hip is one of the body's largest joints. It is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is formed by a part of the pelvic bone. The ball is the upper end of the femur (thighbone). The ball and socket are covered with cartilage, a smooth tissue that cushions the ends of the bones so they can move easily.

 

When this cartilage covering is damaged, it causes hip pain and disability. Avascular necrosis (AVN), Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and arthritis after fracture of the hip are the common causes that require Total Hip Replacement. The damaged femoral ball is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic ball on top of a metal stem that is placed into the hollow center of the femur. The damaged cartilage of the socket is replaced with a metal socket. 

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With advanced techniques, there is no pain, and most patients can go home in 1-2 days.

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Example 1: AVN of both hips