Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH

Hip Replacement Surgery

Normal hip joint Back to top

Picture of a normal hip joint
slide 1 of 6
    

Osteoarthritis of the hip Back to top

Picture of a hip joint affected by osteoarthritis
slide 2 of 6
    

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that protects and cushions the joints breaks down over time. As the cartilage wears down, the bone surfaces rub against each other. This damages the tissue and bone, which then causes pain. The joint space in this hip joint is narrowed due to cartilage loss and bone spur formation.

Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from hip socket and femur Back to top

Picture of hip replacement: Step 1 - Damaged cartilage and bone are removed
slide 3 of 6
    

Removal of cartilage from the hip socket (acetabulum) and removal of the upper end of the femur

Hip socket component is placed Back to top

Picture of hip replacement: Step 2 - Hip socket component is placed
slide 4 of 6
    

Placement of metal acetabular component

Femoral component is placed Back to top

Picture of hip replacement: Step 3 - Femoral component is placed
slide 5 of 6
    

Placement of metal femoral component

Hip replacement is complete Back to top

Picture of hip replacement surgery: Hip replacement is complete
slide 6 of 6
    

Completed hip replacement

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Revised April 8, 2011

Last Revised: April 8, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.