Total hip replacement (unilateral) is an orthopaedic surgery in which a painful hip is replaced by a prosthetic implant. These artificial joints are often made from metal and plastic. This surgical procedure is generally conducted to relieve severe arthritis pain. Both the acetabulum and the femoral head of one side are removed in a unilateral total hip replacement.

Total hip replacement indication is, when all other nonsurgical treatment options have failed to provide adequate pain relief. Total hip replacement procedure can be performed through the conventional method or by using a minimally-invasive technique. The basic difference between both the procedures is the size of the incision.

Traditional total hip replacement will need a general anaesthesia. Your orthopaedic surgeon will make an 8 to 10 inch incision along the side of the hip and move the muscles connected to the top of the thigh bone.

Now, the ball portion of the joint is removed by cutting the thigh bone and an artificial joint is attached to the thighbone, generally by using surgical cement. After that, a replacement socket will be attached to the hip bone and the new ball part of the thighbone is inserted into the socket and muscles are reattached. Finally, the incision is closed with stitches.