Abstract: A method and apparatus for realigning the pelvis, femoral head, femur, trochanter, and acetabulum of a patient during a hip joint replacement procedure being performed on the patient. Prior to replacing the hip of the patient with a prosthesis, a pin is inserted into the patient's pelvis. The pin has a plurality of weakened areas of reduced cross-section formed along its length so that the pin is capable of being bent at approximately a 90.degree. angle at each of the weakened areas. The pin is used to establish a point of reference as to the leg length and the desired orientation of the prosthetic joint.