• There are approximately 150,000 artificial hip joints implanted annually in the United States , with the success rate over 90%.


• The majority of individuals in need of hip replacement are in their 60s and 70s.


• Depending on the condition, people in their late teens and in their 90s can possibly be candidates for a hip replacement.


• obesity, as excess weight means there is more tissue that can be broken down into uric acid


• New materials used in total hip replacement are very durable and are expected to last more than 10 years in 90% of individuals receiving total hips.

The" Normal" Hip

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint comprised of the following structures:

• Head of the femur


• Acetabulum of the Pelvis


• Ligaments of the hip joint

The head of the femur or "ball" of the hip joint articulates or moves within the cup-like "socket" called the acetabulum of the pelvic bone. Together, these structures are referred to as a "ball and socket" joint. The femoral head and acetabulum are covered by a specialized surface called articular cartilage . This allows smooth and painless motion of the hip joint.

Several strong ligaments help hold the head of the femur within the acetabulum. They are named according to their attachments:

• The iliofemoral ligament attaches the front of the ilium (pelvic bone) to the femur. It is fan-shaped, resembling an inverted Y and is sometimes referred to as the Y ligament of Bigalow.


• The pubofemoral ligament attaches from an area on the front region of the pelvis called the pubis and connects to the femur.


• The ishchiofemoral ligament attaches to a bony area on the rear aspect of the pelvis (where the hamstrings attach) and then connects to the femur bone.


• The articular capsule, which is very dense and strong, encompasses the entire acetabulum.