MODEL RELEASED. Hip replacement surgery. Image 9 of 9. Surgeon sewing up the incision in a patient's thigh after hip replacement surgery. The prosthetic joint consists of a metal head, which is attached to a stem inserted in the femur (thigh bone), and a plastic socket that sits in the pelvis. The prosthetic joint will articulate in exactly the same way as a normal hip joint. Joints may need to be replaced after injury, disease or deformity. This hip is being replaced because of congenital hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint does not fit together properly, causing it to dislocate frequently and to become worn. For a sequence showing the operation see M551/418- M551/426.