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2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
617-243-6000
Open 24 hoursLab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
307 W Central St
Natick, MA 01760
617-243-5345
159 Wells Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-243-5777
111 Norfolk Street
Walpole, MA 02081maps
978 Worcester Road (rte 9)
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
781-235-5200
Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
25 Washington Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
617-219-1520
9 Hope Ave
Waltham, MA 02453
617-243-5590
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty (THA), is performed with the goal of increasing mobility and lessening pain.
The hip (shown in Figure 1) is a ball and socket joint. The head of the femur (thighbone) fits into the acetabulum (socket of the pelvic bone) to form the hip joint. In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, which allows smooth pain-free motion. The most common reason for a hip replacement is related to the wearing away of cartilage leading to pain, limited mobility and instability.
During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision to expose the hip joint (shown in Figure 2).
The surgeon prepares the acetabulum by removing the damaged cartilage and replacing it with a prosthetic part or cup that serves as the new socket. Then, the surgeon prepares the femur to accommodate the stem of the prosthesis. The stem and its bearing surface (ball) are then inserted into the canal of the femur. The stem may or may not be cemented in place. Finally, the ball and socket are lined up precisely (shown in Figure 3). A drain tube may be placed into the wound, and the wound is closed. A bandage is applied.
To learn more about joint replacement surgery or make an appointment, please call us at 855-KNEE-HIP (855-563-3447) or email us.