When nonoperative measures (medications, injections, physical therapy) no longer provide adequate pain relief for hip arthritis, a patient may be a candidate for hip replacement. Total hip replacement is a surgery that alleviates the pain from arthritis. With this surgery, the femoral head is removed and replaced with a new ball on a metal stem that is attached to the top of the femur. The acetabulum (or socket) is also resurfaced, and a metal cup is inserted with an inner plastic (polyethylene) liner. The bearing surface and motion are now through the new ball and cup that replaced the damaged cartilage and bone of the hip. The arthritis pain is gone right away. The patient then begins the rehabilitation and healing process of regaining strength and mobility.