Hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) is surgery to replace a worn-out or damaged hip joint. The surgeon replaces the old joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery may be a choice after a hip fracture or for severe pain because of arthritis.

What happens during hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement usually requires a stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices.

Hip replacement surgery is done while you are asleep under general anesthesia or sedated under spinal anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will discuss this with you before the surgery.

Generally, hip replacement surgery follows this process:

• You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
• An IV (intravenous) line may be started in your arm or hand.
• You will be positioned on the operating table.
• A urinary catheter may be inserted after you are asleep.
• The anesthesiologist will watch your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery.
• The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• The healthcare provider will make an incision in the hip area.
• The healthcare provider will remove the damaged parts of the hip joint and replace them with the prosthesis. The hip prosthesis is made up of a stem that goes into the thighbone (femur), the head joint (ball) that fits into the stem, and a cup that is inserted into the socket of the hip joint. The stem and cup are made of metal. The ball may be made of metal or ceramic. The cup has a liner that may be made of plastic or ceramic. The 2 most common types of artificial hip prostheses used are cemented prostheses and uncemented prostheses. A cemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with surgical cement. An uncemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with a porous surface. The bone grows onto this surface to attach to the prosthesis. Sometimes a combination of the 2 types is used to replace a hip.
• The incision will be closed with stitches or surgical staples.
• A drain may be placed in the incision site to remove the fluid.
• A sterile bandage or dressing will be put on the site.