Double hip replacement, X-ray

Double hip replacement, coloured X-ray. Themetal prosthetic hip joints are seen running intothe thigh bones (femurs) at lower left and right.The metal cups into which the spherical heads ofthe shafts fit are seen in place in the pelvis.Hip replacements are performed when the hip jointhas been eroded by arthritis, or when the femur isbadly broken. The latter is common in old womenafter the menopause, as that marks the cessationof production of the hormone oestrogen, which isnecessary for maintaining bone mass. Without it, bones become weaker, and a fall can easily breakthe head of the femur, as was the case here. Hipreplacements can restore mobility in the majorityof cases.. Stunning Photo Gifts From Science Photo Library

Copyright © Miriam Maslo/Science Photo Library

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