Joint Replacement
Hip Replacement – How the Surgery Works
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint: the femoral head at the top of the thigh bone moves within the socket of the pelvis. When cartilage has been largely worn away by osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis), bone rubs against bone – and every step hurts.
A hip prosthesis replaces the worn joint surfaces with artificial components. It consists of four parts: a cup inserted into the pelvis, a matching liner made of ceramic or polyethylene, a ball head, and a stem anchored in the thigh bone.
Which prosthesis is right?
Total hip replacement
The standard procedure: both the cup and the stem are replaced. The cup is usually press-fit into the bone without cement; the stem is fixed either cemented or uncemented depending on bone quality.
Short-stem prosthesis
A bone-preserving, shorter stem – often used for younger, active patients because more of the natural bone is preserved.
Resurfacing prosthesis
Instead of removing the entire femoral head, it is capped. Used in selected cases where preserving as much bone as possible is the priority.
Revision surgery
Replacement of a loosened or worn prosthesis – a routine procedure at our clinic.
How the surgery works
Planning
X-rays are used to digitally plan the correct size and exact position of the prosthesis.
Anaesthesia
The surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia – you will discuss this with our anaesthesia team beforehand.
Gentle access
The joint is exposed through a small incision of around 8–10 cm, sparing the surrounding muscle.
Removing the worn joint
The worn femoral head is removed and the socket is prepared for the implant.
Inserting cup and stem
The titanium cup is press-fit in place, the liner inserted, the stem anchored in the thigh bone and the ball head attached.
Trial and fine adjustment
Trial implants are used to check mobility, leg length and stability. Only once everything is right are the final components fitted.
After the surgery
Physiotherapy begins on the day of surgery. Thanks to the gentle technique, most patients are quickly back on their feet. Rehab can take place on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
More about physiotherapy →Your specialists for the Hip
Dr. Hein KleihuesSpecialist in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, RheumatologyFocus: Hip · Knee · FootLearn more →
Dr. Peter MarkSpecialist in Orthopaedics, RheumatologyFocus: Hip · Knee · FootLearn more →
Dr. Gunnar SaxSpecialist in Orthopaedics and Trauma SurgeryFocus: Hip · Knee · FootLearn more →
Prof. Dr. Hanno SteckelSpecialist in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Special Orthopaedic SurgeryFocus: Hip · KneeLearn more →This overview does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Which procedure is right for you is something you decide together with your doctor during your appointment.