A system for replacing a portion of a hip joint can include a cup having an outersurface and an inner surface. A bearing can include an outer bearing surface andan inner articulating surface. The outer bearing surface can be positioned adjacentto the cup. A ring can be selectively disposed between the cup and the bearing.The ring can define an annular body having a slit formed therein. A removal toolcan define a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can define a ring engagingsurface and a bearing engaging surface. The ring engaging surface can be adaptedto engage the ring at the slit such that the ring expands radially from a lockedposition away from engagement with the bearing to an unlocked position. The bearingengaging surface can be adapted to engage the bearing and urge the bearing awayfrom the cup.
