Total Hip Replacement Surgery. Due to arthritis and degeneration of the hip, the entire joint is replaced with prosthetics in a procedure called total hip arthroplasty. The steps shown include the removal of the degenerated femoral head and acetabulm, or hip socket; the reaming out of the femur and socket area in preparation for the artificial femoral head and acetabular component; the placement of each prosthesis; and the appearance of the prostheses post-operatively.