Mini Total Hip Replacement

Overview
This procedure uses a small incision to replace the diseased and damaged portion of the hip joint. Patients feel less pain and recover more quickly compared to patients who undergo traditional hip replacement surgery, which requires a longer incision. While this procedure uses specialized surgical tools, the implants used are the same as the ones used in traditional surgery.

Damaged Ball Removed
After the femur (thigh bone) is removed from the hip socket, the damaged femoral head (ball) is removed.

Hip Socket Cleaned
Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip socket.

Metal Shell Implanted
A metal shell implant is pressed into the hip socket. In some instances, bone cement or screws are used for additional fixation.

Liner Inserted
A liner is locked into the metal shell to complete the replacement of the hip socket. Although many systems use polyethylene (plastic) liners, some use ceramic or metal liners.

Femur Prepared
The surgeon now focuses on the femur implant. First, the end of the femur is hollowed out.

Femoral Stem Implanted
A metal femoral implant (stem) is placed into the prepared canal of the femur. The implant may be pressed into place, or in some cases cement may be used.

Ball Attached
A femoral head (ball) is attached to the femoral implant (stem) to replace the original damaged femoral head. If a ceramic liner is used, the surgeon will match it with a ceramic ball. Otherwise, a metal ball is used.

End Of Procedure
The new ball and socket components are joined to form the new hip joint.