Hip Replacement surgery involves replacing the femoral head — the "ball" of your thighbone — with a metal ball. The metal ball attaches to a metal stem that fits into your thighbone. A plastic and metal socket is implanted into your pelvic bone to replace the damaged socket. The prosthetic parts, which mimic the natural design of your hip, fit together and function like a normal hip joint.
Artificial hip joints come in many varieties. Generally your surgeon decides which hip joint is the best for you. Materials used in making the prostheses include a combination of durable, wear-resistant plastic and metals, including stainless steel and titanium. Implants are biocompatible — meaning they're designed to be accepted by your body — and they are made to resist corrosion, degradation and wear.
Hip replacement surgery usually takes two to three hours, during which time the patient is under general or regional anesthesia. During the operation, the surgeon separates the thighbone from the socket. Working between the large hip muscles, the surgeon removes the diseased or damaged bone and tissue, leaving healthy bone and tissue intact. The artificial socket is pressed into place. The top end of the thighbone is hollowed out to allow insertion of the metal stem with the attached ball. The ball and the socket join to form the new hip joint.
After surgery the patient is moved to a recovery area for a few hours while the anesthesia wears off. Nurses or other anesthesia aides watch the patient's blood pressure, pulse, alertness, pain or comfort level and the need for medications.
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time.Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, though it most commonly affects joints in your hands, hips, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis typically affects just one joint, though in some cases, such as with finger arthritis, several joints can be affected.
Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But osteoarthritis treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active. Taking steps to actively manage your osteoarthritis may help you gain control over your osteoarthritis pain. Osteoarthritis symptoms most commonly affect the hands, hips, knees and spine. Unless you've been injured or placed unusual stress on a joint, it's uncommon for osteoarthritis symptoms to affect your jaw, shoulder, elbows, wrists or ankles.
