Hip Anatomy
To help you fully understand the process of Total Hip Replacement, it may be useful to have an understanding of what a hip is and how it works.
What we call a ''hip'' is actually a ball and socket-type joint, which unites two separate bones - the thigh bone, or femur, and the pelvis. The pelvis has two cup-shaped depressions called the acetabula or sockets. The head of the femur or ball fits into the acetabulum, forming a joint which allows the leg to move forward, backward and sideways in a wide range. The acetabulum is lined with cartilage, which cushions the bones and allows the joint to rotate smoothly and with minimal friction. An envelope of tough ligaments connect the pelvis and femur, covering the joint and stabilizing it. The cartilage also makes the joint strong enough to support the weight of the upper body, and resilient enough to absorb the impact of exercise and activity.
A healthy hip will allow the leg to move freely within its range of motion, while supporting the upper body and absorbing the impact that accompanies activities like running and jumping.
Total Hip Replacement Surgery
The purpose of Total Hip Replacement Surgery is to remove the damaged and worn parts of the hip and replace them with artificial parts, called prostheses, which will help make the hip strong, stable and flexible again.
At surgery, an implant, selected by your doctor to fit your hip, will be affixed to the area between the femur and the pelvis. In most cases, the implant will consist of two pieces: a metal shaft with a ball at one end; and a metal or polyethylene cup. These will replace the socket and ball of the femur, and will form a new hip joint.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Oxinium implants can be used with new instrumentation that has been
developed to allow hip replacement surgery to be performed using
smaller incisions. This minimally invasive approach allows many
patients to experience reduced blood loss and quicker recovery time
in most cases. Ask your orthopaedic surgeon if he or she is using
a minimally invasive approach to hip replacement with Oxinium implants.
Please visit HipReplacementInfo.com to learn more about hip replacement surgery.
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