Hip surgery is undertaken by a Orthopaedic Surgeon.The head of the femur (thigh bone) meets with the pelvis at the acetabulum, forming the ‘ball and socket’ of the hip joint. The bone surfaces of the hip joint can become worn with age and disease. Hip surgery includes hip resurfacing, and total hip replacement. With hip resurfacing the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces, usually metal or ceramic. With hip replacement surgery the diseased ball and socket of the hip joint are completely removed and replaced with artificial materials. Hip fracture surgery is performed to repair a fracture in the femur near the hip joint. Depending on the location of the break, special screws or a metal plate and screws are inserted to hold the bones in their correct position. If there is concern that the hip may not heal well a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) may be performed. Hemiarthroplasty replaces the ball part of the hip joint.