Hip replacement surgery. Image 2 of 30. Patient on an operating table, ready for a hip replacement operation. Surgical drapes and sterilising liquid (yellow) cover the hip and the area where the initial incision will be made. An artificial hip will be implanted after removing parts of the bones that form the old hip joint. This surgery is usually performed in response to arthritis, the degeneration of the joints, and restores mobility to people who would otherwise be incapacitated by pain and unable to move freely. For a sequence of images showing the full surgery, see M551/340-369.