Total Hip Replacement

Both the femoral (thigh bone) and acetabular (Hip socket) are surgically replaced by metal-ceramic or metal-plastic parts. The new thigh bone part has a long trochar that goes down into the marrow cavity of the femur for stability. There are basically two surgical approaches: the posterior, in which the gluteal muscles are cut, and the anterior, in which the tensa fascie latae is pulled to the side to allow insertion of the prosthesis. After the posterior approach, patients must be careful not to flex, adduct, and internally rotate the hip for a good long time, possibly from that time forth, to avoid dislocation. After the anterior approach, extension and abduction must be avoided for several months. Currently these surgeries give good range of motion and function, and last upwards of 20 years. Please see Anterior Total Hip Replacement and Posterior Total Hip Replacement for details.