Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is surgery for people with severe hip damage. When you have a hip replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from your hip joint and replaces them with new, man-made parts. This can relieve pain, help your hip joint work better, and improve your walking and other movements. Your doctor may recommend it if you have hip damage and pain, and physical therapy, medicines and exercise don't help.

The most common problem after surgery is hip dislocation. Because a man-made hip is smaller than the original joint, the ball can come out of its socket. The surgery can also cause blood clots and infections. After a hip replacement, you might need to avoid certain activities, such as jogging and high-impact sports.

Also called: Hip arthroplasty