Medical Questions » Arthritis Questions » Question No. 88
| Question: | I' ve had arthritis in my hip for years that has been giving me more and more pain. My doctor has suggested referring me to have an artificial hip put in. Can you explain what is an artificial hip? |
| Answer: | Many older people with severe arthritis of the hip, and some younger ones who are born with dislocated hips, require an artificial hip to enable them to walk with ease.
In an operation lasting about an hour, the top of the thigh bone is cut off, and a metal ball is attached to the top of the bone. This fits neatly into a tough plastic cup that is inserted into the old hip socket on the pelvic bone. The operation is very successful, and most patients are up and walking Avithin a few days. |
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