There are a number of different types of hip replacements, and varied terminology used. This blog is a glossary of these terms.

HIP REPLACEMENT
The hip is a ball and socket joint that is formed by the acetabulum (socket) and the femoral head (ball). A common reason for a hip replacement is arthritis of the hip – a condition where the surfaces of the joint become damaged and irregular.

HIP ARTHROPLASTY
A hip arthroplasty is simply another name for a hip replacement.

TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
A total hip replacement (THR) is an operation performed to replace the damaged hip joint. The surgery is performed by opening the hip and removing the ball (femoral head) and clearing the surface of the socket (acetabulum). A metal cup is placed into the socket with either a polyethylene or ceramic liner and a metal stem (with or without cement) is fixed into the femur and a metal or ceramic head is applied to the top of the femur. Younger patients may benefit from ‘mini-hip’ or resurfacing hip replacements.

HIP RESURFACING
The main difference between a total hip replacement and a resurfacing hip replacement is that a long stem is not put into the femur with a resurfacing hip replacement. When a resurfacing hip replacement is performed, only the surface of the femoral head is removed and a cap is placed onto it, usually metal (or other material such as ceramic) and with a small stem. The damaged bone in the socket (acetabulum) is removed and a cup is placed inside the socket (like a total hip replacement). Younger patients may benefit from ‘mini-hip’ or resurfacing hip replacements.

PATIENT-SPECTIFIC HIP REPLACEMENT
To achieve a perfect fit for a hip replacement requires the implant to be personalised specifically for your knee. A patient-specific hip replacement is where data is collected from a CT scan of your knee, to manufacture a bespoke knee implant to exactly match your anatomy. To enable the surgeon to place the implant precisely, a 3D printed, single-use patient specific instrument set is also manufactured. In contrast, a traditional knee replacement will be a size taken from the shelf that is the closest match.

PARTIAL HIP REPLACEMENT
With a partial hip replacement, “your surgeon will replace only part of your hip. These are usually only done to repair certain types of broken hips (hip fractures) or to remove certain types of tumours.” [Cleveland Clinic]

FULL HIP REPLACEMENT
You may hear a hip replacement described as a “full hip replacement”. This is effectively the same as a total hip replacement, rather than a partial hip replacement.

DIRECT ANTERIOR APPROACH (DAA) TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip replacement is a surgical technique that involves the surgeon accessing the hip joint from the front of the body. This approach has gained popularity in recent years because it is associated with several potential benefits for patients. These may include smaller incision and quicker recovery.

POSTERIOR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
The posterior hip replacement is where the surgeon makes the cut to perform surgery from the back of the body.  

LATERAL TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
Finally, the lateral total hip replacement is where the surgery is performed by accessing the hip joint from the side of the body.

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Do you want to know more about the details of how hip replacement surgery is performed? Find out more about patient matched hip replacements here.