Hip Procedures

Hip Replacement

For many patients, a hip operation can greatly increase one's ability to move without pain, fostering a return to a more active and healthy lifestyle.

The hip is one of the body’s largest joints. It is a ball-and-socket joint. The acetabulum (socket) is part of the large pelvis bone. The ball is the femoral head, which is the upper end of the femur(thighbone).

The bone surfaces of the ball and socket are normally covered with cartilage, a smooth tissue that cushions the ends of the bones and enables them to move easily. The ball rotates in the socket to permit you to move your leg forward, backward and away from your body. In the damaged hip, the cartilage is worn and can no longer serve as the cushion. The damaged bones rub together and the surface becomes rough—this results in pain, swelling, and decreased movement and mobility.

Total Hip Replacement

In this operation, the upper portion of the femur (thigh bone) is cut so that it is able to accept a metal stem which has an artificial ball on the top. The ball then fits into an artificial socket that is secured to the patient’s pelvic bone.

Revisions of Hip Replacement

For patients who have had previous hip surgery, there are times when the parts wear out, break or need adjusting. Revisions can mean replacement of some or all the parts of a previous artificial hip.

Hemiarthroplasty

Typically used for fractures of the hip in some patients, this operation essentially replaces a broken ball joint but not the socket.