An outline of the total hip replacement

         Both the components of the hip are replaced. The head of the femur and the acetabulum are replaced with the artificial components.

Acetabulum
 - cup(high density polyethylene)

Head of the femur
 - cobalt-chromium alloy


Both the components are fixed in place with or without bone cement.

INDICATION:

•  arthritis of the hip
•  rheumatoid arthritis osteoarthritis
•  failure of nonoperative treatment such as osteotomy and hemiarthroplasty.

The expected life of replacement is 10-15 years.

COMPLICATION:

1.  Deep venous thrombosis
2.  nerve palsy
3.  vascular injury
4.  fracture during the process of implantation
5.  dislocation
6.  infection
7.  heterotrophic bone formation in cases like ankylosing spondylitis.

*Reference - Maheshwari and Mhaskar (Jaypee).