Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a painful hip joint with arthritis (part of the thigh bone (femur) including the ball (head of femur) then a new, smaller artificial ball is fixed into the rest of the thigh bone. The surface of the existing socket in the pelvis (the acetabulum) is roughened to accept a new socket component that will join up (articulate) with the new ball component. This artificial joint is often made from metal and plastic components.
TThe Replacement Parts Can Be Plastic (Polyethylene), Metal Or Ceramic And Are Used In Different Combinations:
Metal-on-plastic (a metal ball with a plastic socket) is the most widely used combination Ceramic-on-plastic (a ceramic ball with a plastic socket) or ceramic-on-ceramic (where both parts are ceramic) are often used in younger, more active patients. Metal-on-metal (a metal ball with a metal socket) is very occasionally used in younger, more active patients.
