Is total hip replacement done with bone cement?

A total hip replacement replaces the damaged ball and socket with components designed to move together. Bone cement can act as a grout between an implant and prepared bone, helping secure the component during the operation. In an uncemented approach, a textured or porous implant is positioned so bone can grow onto its surface over time. Some operations use different fixation choices for different components. Age, bone quality, activity, anatomy, implant design, and the surgeon’s experience may influence the recommendation.

Ask your surgeon which component, if any, will be cemented and why that choice fits your bone and activity goals. Discuss the expected early weight-bearing plan, movement precautions, rehabilitation exercises, and how follow-up will assess healing. Bring a list of medicines and previous operations, especially if you have bone disease or have had an earlier joint replacement.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or new swelling. Seek urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, a cold or unusually pale foot, or new inability to move the leg. A sudden painful change in hip position or inability to bear weight also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether your planned operation is cemented, uncemented, or hybrid; how fixation affects rehabilitation; and which symptoms after discharge should trigger a call. Ask how your implant choice relates to bone strength and the possibility of future procedures.