Various types of arthritis may affect the hip joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the hips.Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovial lining of the joint and results in excessive synovial fluid, may lead to severe pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, may also cause damage to the auricular cartilage of the hip.

Hip joint is made of two major parts. One or both parts may be replaced during surgery:

The hip socket (a part of the pelvic bone called the acetabulum) and the upper end of the thighbone (called the femoral head). The new hip that replaces the old one is made up of these parts:

A socket, which is usually made of strong metal. A line, which fits inside the socket. It is usually plastic. The liner allows the hip to move smoothly. A metal or ceramic ball that will replace the round head (top) of your thighbone. A metal stem that is attached to the thighbone to make the joint more stable.