Total hip replacement surgery is also called total hip arthroplasty. This means that your hip joint is surgically replaced.

During the operation, the damaged part of the hip is removed. It is replaced with artificial parts, called components or prostheses (pros–THEE–seez). Your surgeon chooses the parts that are best for you. The figure below shows you what the artificial parts look like and where they are located in the hip.

Usually, the operation lasts one to two hours. After the operation, you go to the recovery room, the post anesthesia care unit, for about two hours. Most people can leave the hospital after a one- or two-night hospital stay.