Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Surgery Overview

Total hip replacement is a step-by-step surgery to replace the hip socket and the ball at the top of the thighbone (femur).

Doctors use metal, ceramic, or plastic replacement parts. The parts may be attached to the bones in one of two ways. They may be:

  • Cemented to the bone.
  • Uncemented. These parts have a porous coating that the bone grows into.

Your doctor may use regional anesthesia, Opens dialog. This means you can't feel the area of the surgery. You'll have medicine that makes you unaware and lightly asleep. Or a doctor may use general anesthesia. This means you'll be asleep during surgery. Which type of anesthesia you get depends on your doctor and your overall health. Your doctor might also ask what you prefer.

Hip replacement surgery is done through one or two cuts (incisions). The cuts may be toward the front (anterior) of your hip. Or they may be on the side or toward the back (posterior). Your doctor will talk with you about which type of surgery might be best for you.

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Information about Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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