Hip replacement, X-ray

Hip replacement, coloured X-ray. The metalprosthetic hip joint is seen running into thethigh bone (femur) at centre. At upper centre, themetal cup into which the head of the shaft fits isseen in place in the pelvis. Hip replacements areperformed when the hip joint has been eroded byarthritis, or when the femur is badly broken. Thelatter is common in old women after the menopause, as that marks the cessation of production of thehormone oestrogen, which is necessary formaintaining bone mass. Without it, bones becomeweaker, and a fall can easily break the head ofthe femur, as was the case here. Hip replacementscan restore mobility in the majority of cases.. Stunning Photo Gifts From Science Photo Library

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