Here's some helpful info about hip replacement surgery from the Mayo Clinic:

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the femoral head — the "ball" of your thighbone — with a metal ball. The metal ball attaches to a metal stem that fits into your thighbone. A plastic and metal socket is implanted into your pelvic bone to replace the damaged socket. The prosthetic parts, which mimic the natural design of your hip, fit together and function like a normal hip joint.

Artificial hip joints come in many varieties. Generally your surgeon decides which hip joint is the best for you. Materials used in making the prostheses include a combination of durable, wear-resistant plastic and metals, including stainless steel and titanium. Implants are biocompatible — meaning they're designed to be accepted by your body — and they're made to resist corrosion, degradation and wear.

Hip replacement surgery usually takes two to three hours, during which time you'll be under general or regional anesthesia. During the operation, the surgeon separates your thighbone from the socket. Working between the large hip muscles, the surgeon removes the diseased or damaged bone and tissue, leaving healthy bone and tissue intact. The artificial socket is pressed into place. The top end of the thighbone is hollowed out to allow insertion of the metal stem with the attached ball. The ball and the socket join to form the new hip joint.

After surgery you're moved to a recovery area for a few hours while your anesthesia wears off. Nurses or other anesthesia aides watch your blood pressure, pulse, alertness, pain or comfort level and your need for medications.

I found it here:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hip-replacement/AR00028


Post edited by: bryangrandy, at: 2008/05/07 01:28