Partial Hip Replacement I Orthopaedics I St Vincent’s Private Hospitals

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What is a partial hip replacement?

Partial hip replacement is similar to a total hip replacement. Your surgeon may recommend it if the socket area of your hip joint remains healthy, and only the ball-shaped femoral head at the top of the thigh bone is affected by injury or disease. During partial hip replacement surgery, the femoral ball of the hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial part that is attached to a long metal stem. This implant is inserted down into the thigh bone and embedded using a type of porous material. Over time, this allows the bone to naturally grow up around it.

Often used to repair hip fractures, partial hip replacement surgery is a good option when the hip socket is still functioning and healthy and a full hip replacement is not considered necessary. Partial hip replacement can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure which means only small incisions are necessary.

Is it right for me?

Not all patients are suitable for a partial hip replacement. The decision will always depend on many factors including the extent of the injury and the condition of the hip joint. Because of the nature of the procedure, a healthy hip socket is essential for it to be truly effective. It is not recommended as a way to treat arthritis, as this is a degenerative disease that usually affects the entire hip joint. It can be beneficial for less active patients, as there is likely to be a reduced strain placed on the joint giving it greater longevity.

Partial hip replacement can also be a good surgical option for more high-risk patients as it involves less time on the operating table and therefore much less risk. Although it is a shorter surgery, it should not be seen as a less invasive alternative to a total hip replacement as the requirements are very different.

Preparation

Preparing for a partial hip replacement involves both physical and mental readiness. Before your surgery your surgeon will provide you with comprehensive information about the procedure to set clear expectations. It's beneficial to stay active leading up to the surgery; strengthening the hip muscles can significantly aid in post-operative recovery. Gentle exercises like walking and swimming are recommended.

Follow up

After a partial hip replacement, consistent follow-up care is paramount to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of your procedure. You will typically have your initial post-operative appointment a few weeks after the surgery to assess the surgical area and ensure there are no complications. Further check-ups may be scheduled where your orthopaedic surgeon will evaluate the function of the replaced hip joint. They will also check for any signs of complications and may recommend X-rays or other imaging tests.

orthopaedics hip replacement partial xray

Hip replacement approaches

Other hip surgeries

A partial hip replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where only one part of the hip joint is replaced. Typically, this involves replacing the femoral head (the ball of the thigh bone) while leaving the acetabulum (the hip socket) intact.

The key difference between partial and total hip replacement lies in the extent of the joint replacement. In a total hip replacement, both the femoral head and the acetabulum are replaced with artificial components. In contrast, a partial hip replacement involves only the replacement of the femoral head. Total hip replacement is generally used for patients with more extensive joint disease affecting both the ball and the socket, while partial replacement is often suitable for certain fractures or conditions affecting only the ball.

The duration of a partial hip replacement surgery typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the case, your overall health and specific surgical techniques used by your orthopaedic surgeon.

The longevity of a partial hip replacement can vary, but generally, these implants can last 10 to 15 years or more. The lifespan of the implant depends on several factors, including your activity level, weight and overall health.

Recovery time following a partial hip replacement can vary, but most patients can expect to spend a few days in the hospital post-surgery. Initial recovery, focusing on pain management and beginning mobility, typically takes several weeks. Full recovery, including regaining strength and returning to normal activities, can take several months. The exact timeline depends on your overall health, age and adherence to rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

How much will my hip surgery cost?

Understanding the cost of your treatment is an important consideration before committing to surgery, but it’s not always easy to find the information you need. Learn more about the factors which contribute to the cost of your surgery: