Partial Hip Replacement / Hip Hemiarthroplasty

What is the difference between a Partial Hip Replacement / Hemiarthroplasty and a Total Hip Replacement?

In partial Hip Replacement / Hip Hemiarthroplasty only the patient’s femoral head has been replaced with a new prosthetic femoral head (metal ball) which rotates inside the natural boney socket.

In a Total Hip Replacement, the femoral head has been replaced with a new prosthetic femoral head (metal ball) and the acetabulum (hip socket) has been replaced with the metal socket and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene liner. Now the new prosthetic femoral head moves within a new socket.

What is bipolar arthroplasty?

Bipolar prosthesis has a small ball which moves within a larger ball which moves within the patient’s natural socket. Here movements happen at two surfaces one between the small and a large ball and another between the large ball and a hip socket (acetabulum).

Unipolar prosthesis has only a large ball which moves in the hip socket (acetabulum).

How safe is Partial Hip Replacement or Hip Hemiarthroplasty?

Partial hip replacement or hip hemiarthroplasty surgery is a safe and effective solution. It’s not a complicated surgery. This will reduce the pain and increases the quality of life. 98% satisfaction rate. This is one of the most commonly done and most successful surgeries in orthopedics. You can return to your normal lifestyle after the surgery.

Any age limit to undergo Partial Hip Replacement or Hip Hemiarthroplasty?

No age bar to undergo this surgery. Your physical fitness and medical conditions are important. We have done this surgery even at the age of 96 years.

How the Partial Hip Replacement or Hip Hemiarthroplasty surgery done?

During a partial hip replacement or hip hemiarthroplasty surgery, the fractured femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that is placed into the proximal femur. The femoral stem may be either cemented or “press-fit” into the bone. A metal ball is placed on the upper part of the stem. This ball replaces the femoral head that was removed. Now your hip joint moves in a normal way.

How is the femoral component fixed in Partial Hip Replacement or Hip Hemiarthroplasty?

Depends on the quality of bone. In patients with good bone quality uncemented components used and fixed by press-fit with bone grafting harvested from the removed femoral head. In osteoporotic patients cemented femoral stem is used which is fixed with bone cement.

When can I get discharged from the hospital after my Partial Hip Replacement / Hip Hemiarthroplasty?

Before you are discharged from the hospital you should be able to do the following activities:

1. Getting in and out of bed by yourself.
2. Having acceptable pain control.
3. Being able to eat, drink, and use the bathroom.
4. Walking with a walker.
5. Being able to perform the prescribed home exercises.
6. Understanding any hip precautions you may have been given to prevent injury and ensure proper healing.

What are the “The Don’ts” activities after Partial Hip Replacement / Hip Hemiarthroplasty

1. Don’t cross your legs at the knees.
2. Don’t bring your knee up higher than your hip.
3. Don’t lean forward while sitting or as you sit down.
4. Don’t try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.
5. Don’t turn your feet excessively inward or outward when you bend down.
6. Don’t reach down to pull up blankets when lying in bed.
7. Don’t turn to sides without a pillow in between your legs
8. Don’t bend at the waist beyond 90 degrees.
9. Don’t sit on the floor

What are the “The Dos” activities after Partial Hip Replacement/Hip Hemiarthroplasty

1. Do keep the leg facing forward.
2. Do turn to the operated side during sleep
3. Do keep the affected leg in front as you sit or stand.
4. Do use a high kitchen or barstool in the kitchen.
5. Do use a higher comod during toilet
6. Do use ice to reduce pain and swelling, but remember that ice will diminish sensation. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin; use an ice pack or wrap it in a damp towel.
7. Do cut back on your exercises if your muscles begin to ache, but don’t stop doing them!

How early I can resume my activities?

You will be made to walk the next day after surgery. Weight-bearing will be advised based on the quality of the bone.

At 6 weeks most people with sedentary employment can return to work. You can do your regular day to day activities.

For Best Advice and Consultation reach out to Orthopedic Doctor in Jayanagar