Final answer:
During a total hip replacement surgery, the femoral head is replaced with a metal ball component of a prosthesis. The surgery involves the removal of damaged joint parts and the fitting of custom-made artificial components to restore mobility and relieve pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prosthesis with a metal ball component is used to replace the femoral head during total hip replacement surgery. This is part of a hip arthroplasty procedure, which is a highly invasive surgery aimed at relieving chronic pain and enhancing mobility for patients with severe hip damage. In hip arthroplasty, the worn or damaged head and neck of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis are removed.
A rounded ball attached to a metal stem replaces the femoral head, which fits into a reshaped acetabulum that is lined with a plastic-like material. This replacement mimics the natural ball-and-socket joint of the hip. The prosthesis parts used in surgery are manufactured in advance and sometimes custom-made to ensure the best fit for the patient. Materials like stainless steel, titanium, and polyethylene are used to provide a frictionless movement similar to the original joint.