The hip joint is that part of the body where the thigh bone or femur meets the hip bone or pelvis. The head of the femur is shaped like a ball and this fits into a socket called the acetabulum on the hip bone. The ball moves within the socket allowing the person to perform a wide range of activities. When the hip joint is affected by injury or disease, it becomes stiff and painful and the person's activities are curtailed.

During hip replacement surgery the damaged parts of the hip are removed and man made implants are put in their place. The new artificial hip thus created is expected to function in the same manner as the natural hip it has replaced.

In traditional hip replacement a long incision is made on the hip cutting through the muscle to expose the hip joint. Through this opening the damaged hip joint along with diseased bone and cartilage is removed. A metal cup is then fixed to the pelvis and a metal stem attached to the femur or thigh bone. A ball is placed on top of this stem and anti friction material is used to line all the exposed parts. The hip is then reassembled and finally the incision is closed.

A newer technique called minimally invasive hip replacement proceeds differently. One or two small incisions are made instead of a large one and the operation is performed with specialized instruments through these openings. The hip joint is not exposed fully and x-ray guidance is used instead.

The implants used in either method however are the same. The implants are made of materials that permit the natural gliding motion of the hip joint. Metal, plastic and ceramics are some of the materials used.

The implants can be fixed to the body in different ways. In some cases the parts are attached to the healthy bones using bone cement. In others biological fixation is used. Called the uncemented procedure, this involves parts which have a porous surface through which the natural bone is encouraged to grow and hold the part in place. Hybrid replacements use a combination of these two methods.

Preparation for hip replacement surgery starts a few weeks before the surgery is performed. The patient uses this time to clarify doubts, arrange finances and ready the home for life during rehabilitation. The patient is advised to avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines as these may interfere with the surgery. Pre-operative laboratory tests and x-rays are also undertaken and the patient is put on antibiotics to counter post operative infections.

Hip replacement surgery is a major operation. The patient thus has to be prepared that recovery will not be immediate and dramatic. Instead time, coupled with medication and exercise will heal and a normal active life can be regained gradually. The time taken to recover completely for the surgery differs from person to person. However a positive attitude can do wonders and hasten the recovery process considerably.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.hip-replacement-advisor.com - Hip Replacement