Total hip replacement involves replacing the joint with metal and plastic components. There are three basic parts to hip replacement:
1. Acetabular cup – a metal shell with a plastic liner that is placed into your hip socket
2. Femoral head (ball) – a component that attaches onto the stem and rotates like a natural hip in the hip socket; it may be made out of metal or ceramic
3. Femoral stem – a metal shaft that is inserted into your thighbone
Your orthopedic surgeon will select the type of prosthesis and its method of insertion based on your bone.
Your orthopedic surgeon will select the type of prosthesis and its method of insertion based on your bone.

There are different surgical approaches to hip replacement surgery
1. Posterior approach
2. Anterior approach
3. Anterior lateral approach
4. Direct Superior Approach
You will need to follow hip precautions based on which approach your surgeon uses.
Posterior Approach
1. Avoid crossing legs or bringing knees together
2. Avoid bending your hip more than 90 degrees; such as:
a. Bending over from a sitted position
b. Bringing your knee higher than
Anterior Lateral Approach
1. Avoid hip extension or bringing your surgical leg behind you while standing or lying
2. Avoid extreme range of motion
3. Avoid hip abduction
Anterior Approach
1. Avoid hip extension or bringing your surgical leg behind you while standing or lying
2. Avoid extreme range of motion
Direct Superior Approach
1. Minimally invasive with no precautions