Acetabular Prosthesis Transcript

« back to video

The first step in total hip replacement is removal of damaged cartilage and bone. A tool called a reamer is used to prepare the acetabulum, the cup-shaped hollow in the hipbone, to receive the new socket of the hip replacement. This metal and plastic socket called an acetabular component is fitted into the healthy bone and tissue. The outer metal part of this component, sometimes called a cup, fits directly into the socket. The plastic portion has a hollow to hold the femoral replacement at the top of the thighbone or femur. The outer, metal part is rough to help bone grow into its surface over time to stabilize the artificial joint.

« back to video