Knee replacement surgery is among the most remarkable of surgical innovations in orthopedic surgery. Pain relief and return of function after successful total knee replacement can often last the lifetime of the patient. Even so, the pain, rehabilitation, and recovery associated with the surgical procedure are a concern for many patients.

The hip is the body’s second largest weight-bearing joint (after the knee). It is a ball and socket joint at the juncture of the leg and pelvis. The rounded head of the femur (thighbone) forms the ball, which fits into the acetabulum (a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis). Ligaments connect the ball to the socket and usually provide tremendous stability to the joint. The hip joint is normally very sturdy because of the fit between the femoral head and acetabulum as well as strong ligaments and muscles at the joint.