Total hip replacement is a surgery done to replace a damaged hip joint. Traditionally, a hip replacement would require open surgery, however today, with advanced technology, a minimally-invasive approach is used for total hip replacement. A patient might need a total hip replacement if they have significant damage to their hip joint caused by osteoarthritis (most common), rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis or injury/fracture of the hip joint. This damage might be painful and interfere in the performance of daily activities. The procedure decreases the pain, improves joint mobility and improves quality of life.