What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint with artificial implants. This procedure is commonly performed to relieve pain and improve mobility in individuals with severe hip arthritis, hip fractures, or other conditions affecting the hip joint. During the surgery, the damaged parts of the hip joint, including the hip socket (acetabulum) and the ball at the top of the thigh bone (femoral head), are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Hip replacement surgery can significantly improve quality of life and restore function to the hip joint.