Hip prostheses, also known as hip replacements, are medical devices that are surgically implanted to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis. It allows for smooth movement of the leg and provides stability to the body. However, due to various factors such as aging, injury, arthritis, or other conditions, the hip joint may become damaged, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement.
A hip prosthesis is made up of three parts: a stem that is inserted into the thigh bone, a ball that replaces the head of the thigh bone, and a socket that replaces the damaged hip socket in the pelvis. The materials used in hip prostheses can vary, but most commonly, they are made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
