Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis. It refers to joint pain or joint disease. Osteoarthritis affects tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints (cartilage). Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones and helps them move smoothly. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the joints gets worn down. Osteoarthritis is sometimes called "wear and tear" arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs most often in older people and is a condition that gets worse over time. The joints most often affected by this condition are in the fingers, toes, hips, knees, and spine, including the neck and lower back.
Total hip replacement is a surgery to remove damaged cartilage in your hip joint and replace it with an artificial (prosthetic) hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket type of joint with two main parts. The ball of the joint (femoral head) is the top of the thighbone (femur). The socket of the joint is a large, hollow area on the outer side of your pelvis (acetabulum) where the femur and pelvis meet.
During total hip replacement, one or both parts of the hip joint are replaced, depending on the type of joint damage that you have. The purpose of this surgery is to reduce pain and improve your hip function.What to expect prior to surgery, the journey through the hospital, and plans for when you go home.