Can we imagine a day without any movement? It is highly impossible for human beings. The hip joint is the most important and largest joint in the body as it bears the weight of the body. It allows the body to walk, jog, run and carry out other physical activities. It tremendously supports the upper body. The hip joint is also known as the ball and socket joint formed between the waist bone (pelvis) and the thigh bone (femur). There is continuous supply of a synovial fluid to the joint to avoid friction among the bones. Similarly, the adjoining bones forming the joint are surfaced by a special lining called the cartilages to prevent the friction in that joint. 

Reasons for hip joint damage: 

• Arthritis: This is one of the common reasons for hip replacement. When the cartilages are worn out, it leads to friction among the bones limiting the movement and making it painful. This disallows the flexible movements of the joints when we stretch, bend, walk or run causing a terrible pain. Hence, a hip replacement may be required. 
• Hip Fracture: Fractures happen when a person has a fall or slips accidentally, damaging the hip joint. If there is a fracture, some times its difficult to fix the fracture in such situation either a partial or total hip replacement may be recommended. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Auto immune system protects the body from infections and viruses. When this immune system starts attacking the lining of the joints cartilage, it leads to severe pain and stiffness making the patient disabled. Thus, a hip replacement may be required. 

Hip replacement Surgery: The surgery usually takes around 1-2 hours depending upon the case. Firstly, an anesthesia is given to numb the lower body. The surgeon then makes an incision and thus removes the damaged / diseased part of the joint. He then replaces it with an artificial joint, which may be either polythelene, metal alloy or ceramic. The patient will be shifted to the surgical ICU room for observation followed by shifting to his/her room for physiotherapy after the surgery. He will have to use the crutches for few days as a support. The recovery might take from 3 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the prior surgery condition of the patient. 

Revision Hip replacement Surgery: This usually takes place when there is a failure in the primary hip replacement surgery. It can be due to wear and tear of the implant or loosening of the implants. The second surgery is usually difficult and needs experienced surgeon to operate.