Introduction to hip implants and biomarker testing

The chapter highlights the key facts and principles pertaining to the structure and function of human hip joints, hip implants, and biomarker development. First, we explain and illustrate the bone, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles that constitute the hip joint and survey common indications for hip replacement surgery. Next, we describe the evolution of hip replacement and resurfacing implants, including the advantages and limitations of the different implant biomaterials and bearing couple combinations. The final section introduces the concept of biomarker testing, and how it can be applied to monitor patients with hip arthroplasty.