How to Design a Hip Replacement Joint

The hip is a vital join in human locomotion. Essentially, the design is that of a ball and socket, allowing the hip joint to move in multiple directions as needed. Acute injury, arthritic changes, or simple wear and tear can result in permanent damage to the ball and socket that is the hip joint. Orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hip replacement use principles of biomechanics when designing their hip replacement equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Metal ball for replacement of femoral ball
• Metal socket for replacement of hip socket
• Liner for the socket
• Operative support system

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Instructions

Man-made ball and socket joint

• 1

  Create a metal socket inside the pelvis for replacement of the hip joint. Damage has likely occurred within this portion of the hip joint so it is often necessary to implant a metal "socket" to replace the original one which has become dysfunctional.

• 2

  Place a cushioning liner inside the metal socket. This lining serves the same purpose as cartilage, which is to allow smooth rotation within the ball and socket hip joint. This lining is traditionally composed of plastic but many surgeons now use metal for this purpose.

• 3

  Create the "ball" portion of the new hip joint. This metal piece should fit within the aforementioned metal socket. The ball's size should permit it to effortlessly rotate within the joint, however it must be large enough to minimize the risk of dislocation.

• 4

  Attach a metal rod to the ball from step three. This rod will be inserted into the patient's femur, which is the bone connecting the leg to the pelvis. The rod should be long enough to provide stability and strength to the new hip joint.