Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement surgery involves multiple steps:

• Step 1: The removal of the diseased head (ball) of your hip joint.
• Step 2: The placement of a metal stem into your thigh (femur) bone
• Step 3: The placement of a metal or ceramic ball on the stem, forming the first half of the new hip joint.
• Step 4: The reshaping of the pelvis section and lining of the area with a metal or ceramic cup, creating a new socket for the ball to sit in. The socket may also receive a plastic liner to keep the new joint moving smoothly.
• Step 5: The movement of the ball into the socket to restore movement and create the new joint.

Visit our online Learning Center to learn more about hip replacement.

Anterior approach hip replacement surgery follows the same general steps as traditional hip replacement.

However, there a key difference: with the anterior approach to hip replacement, an orthopedic surgeon accesses the hip joint by entering through the front of the body. The surgeon maneuvers between the hip muscles that help hold the hip joint in place. Smaller incisions are possible with this procedure versus traditional hip surgery.

The anterior approach to total hip replacement is becoming more popular because:

• it is less invasive
• hospital stays are shorter
• recovery and rehabilitation are quicker

This less invasive surgery is especially appropriate for patients who are active and eager to return to work and their daily activities as quickly as possible.