What Is Total Hip Replacement Done With?

The damaged femoral head is replaced by a smooth ball attached to a stem inside the thigh bone. The worn socket is reshaped and lined with a cup. Titanium may be used for the stem or outer cup because it is strong and compatible with bone. The moving surfaces can pair ceramic with highly cross-linked polyethylene, or use other combinations selected by the surgeon. Bone cement may secure a component immediately; another design may rely on bone growing onto a textured implant surface.

Ask which parts will be replaced, what bearing surfaces are planned, and how each component will be fixed. Tell the surgical team about allergies, previous joint surgery, dental concerns, and medicines that affect bleeding. Before going home, learn how to use walking aids, protect the hip during sitting and sleeping, and perform the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist.

After surgery, contact your care team promptly for increasing wound drainage, spreading redness, fever, worsening pain, or a sudden change in leg function. Seek urgent help for new chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a painful swollen calf. A new fall or a hip that suddenly feels out of place also needs prompt assessment.

Which bearing combination and fixation method suit my bone quality? What restrictions will apply while the tissues heal? Which symptoms should lead me to call the hospital, and when should physiotherapy progress?