Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty, X-ray. X-ray reveals both hip joints with prosthetic replacements, with one dislocated. This type of surgery is often used to relieve pain and stiffness in the hip caused by osteoarthritis. Dislocation occurs when the ball of the new hip implant comes out of the socket. The risk of dislocation is highest in the first few months after surgery while the tissues are healing.