Total hip replacement

The figures illustrate total hip replacement. An incision is made across the hip joint (A), the location of which depends upon the selected approach (anterior, lateral, posterior). Once exposed, the femoral neck is transected (with or without dislocation of the hip) and the femoral head is removed (B). The acetabulum is prepared and the cup of the prosthesis is placed (C). The femur is prepared and the stem of the prosthesis is placed and a head ball is placed onto the stem (D). The hip is reduced and the proper functioning of the completed hip replacement is checked (E). The incision is then closed and the hip incision is dressed.