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in communityWhat is a prosthesis for a hip replacement? A hip replacement prosthesis is an artificial medical device used to replace a damaged or worn-out hip joint. It restores mobility and relieves severe joint pain caused by conditions like arthritis or fractures. Most implants last 15 years or more.
Wikipedia
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A standard total hip prosthesis consists of three main parts:
Sharma Orthopedic
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The Stem: A metal piece inserted into the hollow center of the thighbone (femur).
The Ball: A metal or ceramic ball that replaces the damaged head of the thighbone.
The Socket (Cup): A metal shell placed into the pelvic bone, usually lined with a smooth plastic (polyethylene) or ceramic spacer.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons AAOS
Common Bearing Surface Combinations
The materials chosen for the "bearing surfaces" (the ball and the socket liner) affect the durability of the prosthesis:
Metal-on-Plastic: A metal ball gliding against a plastic liner; highly reliable with a long track record.
Ceramic-on-Plastic: A ceramic ball with a plastic liner, often used to reduce wear.
Ceramic-on-Ceramic: A ceramic ball and ceramic socket liner; these are extremely durable and produce very little wear debris, making them ideal for younger, active patients.
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
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Types of Prosthesis Fixation
Cemented: The prosthesis is secured to the bone using a special bone cement (acrylic polymer).
Cementless (Press-fit): The implant has a specialized porous surface designed for the patient's natural bone to grow into and fuse with the prosthesis.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons AAOS
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To explore more about prosthetic materials, longevity, and surgical options, you can review detailed clinical guidelines on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) or the Mayo Clinic overview on hip procedures.
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