During a total hip arthroplasty, which components are specifically replaced?

During a total hip arthroplasty, the primary focus is on replacing the components of the hip joint that are most affected by disease or damage, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis or fractures. The correct answer encompasses the replacement of the acetabulum, femoral neck, and femoral head.

In this procedure, the acetabulum is replaced with a new socket, and both the femoral head (the ball part of the joint) and the femoral neck (the segment connecting the head to the shaft of the femur) are replaced with a prosthetic component. This comprehensive approach addresses both parts of the hip joint, ensuring proper function and stability once healed.

The other options include components that are either not typically involved in the total replacement surgery or do not represent the exact components replaced during this procedure. For example, the greater trochanter, while important for muscle attachment, is usually not replaced, and neither are the ischium or pubis, as they are part of the pelvic structure rather than the hip joint itself. The femoral shaft may also not be replaced during a total hip arthroplasty since the procedure is specifically about the ball-and-socket joint mechanics rather than the entire bone structure.