Hip replacement

Abstract

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that allows rotation in practically any direction. Normally, both the ball portion at the end of the thigh bone and the socket portion in the pelvis are lined with smooth cartilage so they glide over each other. But use can wear away cartilage over time or an injury can damage it, and cartilage does not repair itself. When it's worn through, bone grates against bone, so movement of the joint is difficult and very painful. If your doctor can see damage to the joint on x-rays, he or she might suggest that you think about having it replaced with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis).