Surgery

After a period of thorough planning the surgeon decides on the implant to be used and the method of anchorage before the operation is started.

For a hip replacement, the ball and socket of the arthritic hip joint is removed. The top part of the thigh bone (femur) is removed, and an implant fits within the central canal of the femur. Then any remaining cartilage and some bone is removed from the socket part of the joint (within the pelvis), and a new socket is put in its place. These replace the ball and socket, and allow movement at the new joint.

For a knee replacement, the ends of the femur and tibia are replaced with a combination of plastic and metal components. These components are attached to the bones, but not to each other. Existing ligaments and muscles are used to maintain joint stability between the components just as they did before the prosthesis. By replacing the ends of the bone, some friction and associated pain are eliminated, and the patient can regain a more normal activity level.