Hip Implants

Hip Implants - Your Choices
Once you have decided to have a hip replacement your surgeon will advise you on the type of implant he recommends and how it will be fixed in place.

Both these decisions are important as the different types and different methods of fixation have different advantages and disadvantages.

Unless you are aware of the alternatives you won't be in a position to have a meaningful conversation with your surgeon about your individual circumstances.

Types of Implants
The ball part of the joint may be replaced with either metal or ceramic. Whilst the cup side will either be made of the same material or of polyethylene (known as poly for short). This gives the choice of

• Metal-on-metal or metal-on-poly
• Ceramic-on-ceramic or ceramic-on-poly.

A third option is a hybrid. This uses one technique for the femoral head and the other for the acetabulum.
Modular or Single PieceThe final choice is whether to have the femoral side made as a single unit or to have a modular version.

What next
Learn more about: -

Ceramic-on-ceramic or ceramic-on-poly.

Metal-on-metal or metal-on-poly.

Types of fixation

and modular design.