Different Types of Hip Replacement Implants

August 20, 2025

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most effective treatments for chronic hip pain, especially in cases of osteoarthritis, fractures, or age-related joint degeneration. Back in 2023, hip implants made up a global market worth about $7.7 billion, and that numbers expected to hit $11.5 billion by 2032. Sure, that tells you how routine these surgeries have become. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean people always understand what really matters.

The real difference comes down to the implant, its material, how well it matches your body, and whether it’s built to last. Keep reading to understand the best hip implant materials, main types, and what actually matters when you’re choosing one before surgery.

What Is a Hip Implant?

A hip implant, also called a prosthesis, is just a replacement for the damaged parts of your hip joint. Usually, it covers the ball (that’s the femoral head) and the socket (the acetabulum). It’s mostly done for people with osteoarthritis, but sometimes it’s needed for rheumatoid arthritis, bone death (osteonecrosis), or bad fractures that make walking painful. These parts are made from special materials that won’t cause a reaction in your body. They’re built to hold up, move smoothly, and work as close as possible to how a healthy joint should move.

What Are The Main Components of a Hip Implant?

The following are the main components of a hip implant. Each one plays a different role and is made from specific materials designed to hold up inside the body and help the joint move as naturally as possible.

Component	What It Replaces	Material Used	Function
Femoral Stem	Thigh bone (femur)	Titanium or cobalt-chromium alloy	Anchors into the thigh bone and supports the ball (femoral head)
Femoral Head	Ball part of the joint	Ceramic or metal (usually cobalt-chromium)	Moves inside the socket to let your leg rotate smoothly
Acetabular Shell	Socket in the pelvic bone	Titanium alloy	Gets fixed into the pelvis and holds the liner that cushions the joint
Acetabular Liner	Inner surface of the socket	Highly cross-linked polyethylene or ceramic	Sits between the ball and shell to reduce wear and let everything glide

Material Combinations Often Used

Metal-on-polyethylene (most common and cost-effective)
Ceramic-on-polyethylene (reduced wear, longer life)
Ceramic-on-ceramic (lowest wear but higher cost and rare risk of implant noise)
Metal-on-metal (less commonly used now due to concerns over metal debris)

Why Material Choice Matters

Age, lifestyle, bone health, allergies, and activity level play a role in selecting the right materials.
Younger patients or those with higher activity levels may benefit from implants with longer-lasting surfaces like ceramic.
Those with metal allergies may need special non-metal or ceramic-based implants.

Always discuss your options with your orthopedic surgeon; they'll tailor the implant material to your needs for the best long-term outcome.

Cemented vs Uncemented Hip Implants

During hip replacement surgery, one key decision your surgeon makes is how the implant will hold onto your bone, whether it’s fixed in place with surgical cement or designed to let the bone grow around it. Both types replace the damaged joint, but they attach in very different ways. Here’s a simple side-by-side view of how these two best hip implant materials compare:

Aspect	Cemented Implant	Uncemented Implant
How does it stay in place	Held in place with special surgical cement	Designed so your bone grows onto the implant over time
What it’s often used for	Older adults or people with soft or weak bones	Younger, more active patients with strong bone structure
Recovery	Typically, quicker recovery early on	It can take longer to fully settle, as the bone needs to grow into the implant
How long does it last	Very durable, but may loosen sooner with high activity	Often lasts longer, especially in active patients
Fit during surgery	A bit more forgiving, cement fills small gaps	Requires a very close, precise fit between bone and implant
Possible concerns	Rarely, particles from the cement may cause inflammation around the joint	Not ideal for people with weak bones or conditions that slow bone growth
When it became common	Used since the 1960s, long history of success	Gained popularity in the 1980s and is now widely trusted for the right candidates

How Good is the Longevity of Hip Implants?

One thing almost every patient wants to know before surgery is simple: How long is this new joint going to last? The good news is that hip implants today are built to last longer than they used to. And real-world data from thousands of patients up to 2025 backs that up.

After 15 years, about 90%, 9 out of 10 hip replacements are still working as they should, with no major issues, no need for a second surgery.
At the 20-year mark, the numbers stay steady in most cases. Depending on the region and the type of implant used, survival rates range from 85% to 90%.
By 25 years, results can vary a bit more. But in many patients, especially those with good bone quality and well-matched implants, about 93% of replacements are still going strong.

What makes the difference? A lot comes down to the material, how the implant fits, and the patient’s overall health and activity levels. Moreover, there are dozens of hip implant brands out there. Some offer better longevity, others smoother motion, and a few are better for complex cases. Your surgeon doesn’t choose the best hip implant materials at random; they match the brand to your age, bone quality, and needs. Ask what type they’ll use and why.

Also Read: How to prepare for a Hip Replacement Surgery?

Custom Hip Implants for Patients

In some cases, the regular, off-the-shelf implant just doesn’t do the job. Maybe your hip bone isn’t shaped the usual way. Maybe you’ve had surgery before, and things have shifted. Whatever the reason, your surgeon might bring up a custom implant, one made to match your exact anatomy. To do that, they’ll usually start with a CT or MRI scan. From there, they can build a replacement that fits the way your hip is built.

This can make a big difference if your bone structure is tricky or if a standard implant didn’t work out before. You’ll likely feel better support and maybe even have a more natural range of motion. But it does come with downsides:

Higher cost;
Limited availability;
And not every hospital or surgeon offers it.

Still, for some people, it’s the better path. Not just for comfort, but for how long the joint lasts.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Decide!

A hip implant is about what goes inside your body. The best hip implant materials aren’t the same for everyone. Your surgeon looks at how you move, your bone strength, and your age before choosing what fits best.

So don’t be shy, ask what kind of implant they’re using, and why. A five-minute conversation can help you feel more in control of your recovery and trust that you’re getting something built to last. Book a consultation at Apollo Spectra today and take the guesswork out of your hip surgery.