Home Joint ReplacementPartial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty) in India

Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty) in India

Surgical procedure replacing only the femoral head (ball) of the hip joint, preserving the natural socket

Overview

Partial Hip Replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces only the femoral head (ball) of the hip joint while preserving the natural acetabulum (socket). This procedure is primarily performed for displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients, particularly when the fracture has compromised blood supply to the femoral head, making internal fixation unreliable. At Arthroscenter, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has performed over 400 successful partial hip replacements with a 96% success rate in restoring mobility and relieving pain. Unlike total hip replacement which replaces both components, hemiarthroplasty is a less invasive option suitable for patients with good acetabular cartilage who have sustained a femoral neck fracture. The procedure typically allows patients to bear weight immediately and resume walking within days. Hemiarthroplasty offers several advantages including shorter operative time, less blood loss, and lower dislocation risk compared to total hip replacement. The procedure is particularly beneficial for elderly patients with limited mobility who primarily need pain relief and the ability to transfer from bed to chair. Recovery is generally faster, with most patients achieving functional independence within 6-8 weeks.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Severe hip pain after fall or trauma (femoral neck fracture)

Inability to bear weight on affected leg

Shortened and externally rotated leg

Groin pain radiating to thigh or knee

Extreme tenderness over hip joint

Inability to move hip or lift leg

Visible bruising or swelling around hip

Previous failed internal fixation of hip fracture

Avascular necrosis of femoral head

Acute hip dislocation in elderly patient

Procedure Details

Duration

1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on fracture complexity and surgical approach

Anesthesia

General anesthesia or spinal/epidural anesthesia based on patient health status and preferences

Preparation for Surgery

Pre-operative evaluation includes hip X-rays, CT scan if needed for fracture assessment, blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, and medical optimization. Anesthesia consultation performed. Patient advised to fast 8 hours before surgery. Prophylactic antibiotics administered 30 minutes before incision. DVT prophylaxis initiated.

Surgical Steps

Patient positioned on side (lateral position) or on back on special fracture table

General or spinal anesthesia administered based on patient condition

Skin incision made over lateral hip (posterolateral, anterolateral, or direct lateral approach)

Hip capsule carefully opened to expose femoral neck and head

Fractured femoral head removed with precision cuts

Femoral canal prepared with sequential reamers to accept prosthetic stem

Trial components inserted to assess size, leg length, and stability

Final femoral stem (cemented or uncemented) implanted into prepared femoral canal

Bipolar or unipolar prosthetic head attached to stem and reduced into natural acetabulum

Hip stability, range of motion, and leg length checked under fluoroscopy

Wound irrigated, capsule repaired if possible, deep tissues and skin closed in layers

Sterile dressing applied, hip brace or abduction pillow may be used

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Day 1-2

Hospital Stay & Immediate Post-Op

Pain management with medications. Drain removed if placed. Chest physiotherapy to prevent pneumonia. Gentle ankle and knee exercises. Sitting up in bed with support. DVT prophylaxis continued.

Day 3-5

Early Mobilization

Physical therapy begins with assisted standing and transfer to chair. Partial weight bearing with walker typically allowed immediately. Hip precautions taught (avoid hip flexion >90°, crossing legs, internal rotation). Gradual increase in walking distance.

Week 1-2

Hospital Discharge & Home Recovery

Most patients discharged 5-7 days post-surgery. Continue walker use with partial to full weight bearing. Wound care and monitoring for infection. Pain gradually decreases. Daily physiotherapy exercises. Anticoagulation for DVT prevention.

Week 2-6

Progressive Rehabilitation

Transition from walker to cane. Increase walking distance daily. Strengthening exercises for hip and leg muscles. Return to basic self-care activities. Wound heals, sutures/staples removed at 2 weeks. Follow-up X-rays.

Week 6-12

Functional Independence

Most patients independent in transfers and walking. Discontinue walking aids if stable. Return to light household activities. Continue strengthening and balance exercises. Achieve functional goals for elderly patients.

Month 3-6

Long-term Recovery

Full healing expected. Return to pre-fracture activity level (appropriate for age). Continue exercises to maintain strength. Annual follow-ups to monitor implant and acetabular wear. Consider conversion to total hip if acetabular pain develops.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Follow hip precautions strictly for first 6-12 weeks to prevent dislocation

Avoid bending hip more than 90 degrees (no low chairs, deep squatting)

Do not cross legs or twist at the hip

Sleep on back or unoperated side with pillow between knees

Use raised toilet seat and shower chair for safety

Wear compression stockings and take prescribed blood thinners to prevent clots

Perform prescribed exercises daily to regain strength and mobility

Use walker or cane as recommended until cleared by surgeon

Keep surgical wound clean and dry until healed

Report any signs of infection, increased pain, or leg length discrepancy

Attend all physical therapy sessions for optimal recovery

Maintain healthy diet with adequate protein and calcium for bone healing

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.What is the difference between partial and total hip replacement?

Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) replaces only the femoral head (ball) while keeping the natural acetabulum (socket). Total hip replacement replaces both the ball and socket. Hemiarthroplasty is typically used for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with limited activity demands, while total hip replacement is preferred for arthritis and younger, more active patients. Partial replacement is less invasive, has shorter surgery time, and lower dislocation risk but may cause acetabular wear over time.

Q2.When is partial hip replacement recommended over total hip replacement?

Partial hip replacement is recommended for: displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients (>70 years), patients with good acetabular cartilage, low-demand elderly patients with limited pre-fracture mobility, patients with cognitive impairment who may not follow hip precautions after total hip replacement, and urgent fracture cases where total hip replacement may be too invasive. Dr. Kumar will assess your specific situation to determine the best option.

Q3.Can I walk immediately after partial hip replacement?

Yes, most patients can begin weight-bearing and walking with assistance within 24-48 hours after surgery. This early mobilization is one of the key advantages of partial hip replacement for fracture patients. You will use a walker initially, with partial to full weight bearing as tolerated. The implant provides immediate stability. Early mobilization reduces complications like pneumonia, blood clots, and muscle weakness.

Q4.What are the risks and complications of partial hip replacement?

Potential complications include: hip dislocation (2-5%, lower than total hip replacement), infection (1-2%), blood clots/DVT, acetabular erosion and groin pain (may require conversion to total hip), leg length discrepancy, nerve or blood vessel injury (rare), implant loosening or failure, and general anesthesia risks. Dr. Kumar uses advanced surgical techniques and modern implants to minimize these risks. Overall, the procedure has a 96% success rate.

Q5.How long does a partial hip replacement last?

For elderly, low-demand patients, partial hip replacement typically lasts their lifetime. The bipolar prosthesis has inner bearing that reduces acetabular wear. However, in younger or more active patients, acetabular cartilage wear may occur over 10-15 years, potentially requiring conversion to total hip replacement. For the intended elderly patient population with femoral neck fractures, longevity is generally not a concern as the primary goal is rapid mobility and pain relief.

Q6.What is the difference between bipolar and unipolar hemiarthroplasty?

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty has an inner bearing within the prosthetic head that allows movement both within the prosthesis and at the acetabulum, reducing acetabular wear. Unipolar has a single fixed head that articulates only with the acetabulum, causing more acetabular wear. Dr. Kumar typically uses bipolar implants as they have better long-term outcomes, less groin pain, and lower conversion rates to total hip replacement, though they are slightly more expensive.

Q7.Will I need to follow hip precautions after partial hip replacement?

Yes, hip precautions are essential for the first 6-12 weeks to prevent dislocation. These include: avoid bending hip more than 90 degrees, do not cross legs, avoid internal rotation and twisting, sleep with pillow between legs, use raised toilet seat, and avoid low chairs. These precautions allow the hip capsule and soft tissues to heal. After healing, the dislocation risk decreases significantly, though some surgeons recommend long-term avoidance of extreme hip positions.

Q8.Can partial hip replacement be converted to total hip replacement later?

Yes, if acetabular erosion causes groin pain or the socket wears out, partial hip replacement can be converted to total hip replacement. This is a secondary surgery where the femoral stem is either retained (if well-fixed) or replaced, and an acetabular component is added. Conversion rates are approximately 5-10% over 10 years in elderly patients. For most low-demand elderly patients, conversion is rarely needed.

Q9.How much does partial hip replacement cost at Arthroscenter?

The cost varies depending on implant type (bipolar vs unipolar, cemented vs uncemented), hospital stay duration, anesthesia, and any additional treatments needed. Partial hip replacement is generally less expensive than total hip replacement. Arthroscenter accepts PMJAY and BSKY insurance which covers hip fracture surgery for eligible patients. We also offer payment plans. Book a ₹999 consultation with Dr. Kumar for accurate cost estimation based on your specific case.

Q10.What is the success rate of partial hip replacement at Arthoscenter?

Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has performed over 400 partial hip replacements with a 96% success rate in achieving pain relief and restoring mobility. Most elderly fracture patients regain the ability to walk and transfer independently. Our infection rate is below 1%, and dislocation rate is under 3%. Over 90% of patients are satisfied with their functional outcomes and quality of life improvement. We use modern bipolar implants and evidence-based surgical techniques to optimize results.

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