What is exactly involved with a hip replacement?

See below: The ball and socket of the hip are replaced with a metal socket and a metal stem. There is then a plastic liner or ceramic liner placed and a ceramic, metal or plastic head is placed on the stem. This makes up your new hip.

Total hip involves: Total hip replacement involves replacing the ball and socket joint of the hip. The ball (femoral head) is removed and replaced with a metal stem and ball (the ball can be metal, ceramic, or oxinium). The acetabulum (socket) is removed of diseased cartilage and a metal cup is inserted. Within the cup, a liner is placed. For more information, contact your doctor to learn more.