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During a total hip replacement, your surgeon will replace your hip joint with a prosthetic hip. The hip joint includes the ball-shaped head of the femur, which fits into the socket, or acetabulum, of the pelvis. Smooth articular cartilage covers the bony surfaces, cushioning the hip joint and allowing the parts to move easily The most common cause of hip disability is osteoarthritis, a chronic disease in which articular cartilage wears away, resulting in severe hip pain and stiffness. When pain medication and other treatments are no longer effective, your surgeon will perform a total hip replacement. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone and reshape the bony surfaces to fit the prosthesis, or artificial joint. A cemented artificial hip joint includes a socket with a smooth liner and a stem topped with a ball that replaces the femoral head. Your surgeon will cement these prosthetic components into place. Then, your surgeon will fit the new femoral head into the new socket. Before closing the incision, your surgeon will check the new joint's range of motion to ensure it functions properly. Over 90 percent of patients experience dramatic pain relief and improved hip function with a new joint that will last about 15-20 years.