Total hip replacement is the most common form of hip replacement and involves removal of the entire hip joint. Both the femoral head and acetabulum, that comprise the ball-and-socket joint are replaced with artificial parts. The artificial parts may be made from different materials such as plastic, metal, or ceramic and your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each type. Cement may be used to hold the artificial parts in place or left uncemented, with natural bone growth holding them in place. In the UK, the vast majority of patients have cemented hip replacement as this option is very successful and allows earlier mobilisation.

A partial hip replacement involves replacing the femoral head (ball component of the ball-and-socket joint) with a metal or ceramic implant which is held within the thigh bone (femur). This type of hip replacement is typically performed to repair a hip joint in which there is a fracture of the femoral head.

This is similar to a partial hip replacement but involves less removal of the femoral head. The arthritic surface of the femoral head is shaved down by a few millimetres and reshaped to allow a metal cap to be cemented on. The acetabulum (socket element of the bone-and-socket joint) is left unaltered. Hip resurfacing is only appropriate for selected patients and your surgeon will advise you whether this is a suitable option for you.