Partial Hip Replacement

Partial hip replacement, also called hemiarthroplasty, involves replacing the femoral head, the ball part of the hip joint, with a prosthetic implant, while leaving the natural socket intact. This differs from total hip replacement, where both the ball and socket are replaced. By targeting only the damaged portion, the procedure reduces surgical complexity and generally helps patients regain mobility more quickly than a total replacement would.

This procedure is most often recommended for patients with fractures of the femoral neck or head, elderly individuals with osteoporosis related hip fractures, and patients whose overall medical condition makes a longer anaesthesia time or a more complex surgery riskier than a shorter, more focused procedure. It is generally not the right choice for younger, more active patients or for cases involving significant damage to the socket itself, since preserving a damaged socket in those situations would not relieve the underlying problem. A proper clinical evaluation is the only reliable way to confirm whether partial or total hip replacement is the better fit for a specific fracture.

Partial hip replacement is generally performed under general or regional anaesthesia and follows a consistent sequence of steps. First, an incision is made on the side of the hip to expose the joint. The fractured or damaged femoral head is then carefully removed. A metal or ceramic prosthetic ball, attached to a stem, is inserted into the thigh bone and secured either with bone cement or using a press fit technique, depending on the patient's bone quality and the surgical plan. The prosthetic ball is then placed into the natural socket to allow smooth movement, and finally the incision is closed and the hip is supported through the initial healing period.

Recovery after partial hip replacement is typically shorter than after total hip replacement. Most patients are encouraged to begin moving the joint within a few days of surgery to prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of complications. Rehabilitation generally includes early, assisted walking with support aids such as crutches or a walker, guided physical therapy to restore strength, balance, and range of motion, a gradual return to weight bearing activities as healing progresses, and careful monitoring to avoid falls or reinjury during this period. Depending on age, overall health, and the extent of the original injury, patients may return to most normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.

Compared to total hip replacement, partial hip replacement is generally less invasive, involves a shorter surgical time and reduced anaesthesia exposure, and tends to allow faster recovery and rehabilitation. It provides effective pain relief and improved joint function while preserving the natural socket, which keeps the overall procedure less complex than a total replacement.

Both procedures aim to relieve pain and restore mobility after serious hip damage, but they are used for different situations. Partial hip replacement is generally chosen when only the femoral head is damaged, most often after a hip fracture in an older adult, and the natural socket is still healthy enough to be preserved. Total hip replacement is used when both the ball and socket are damaged, commonly from advanced arthritis rather than a fracture, or when a partial replacement would not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Partial replacement is typically a shorter procedure with less anaesthesia exposure and a faster initial recovery, while total replacement tends to offer more durable, longer term relief for patients whose damage extends to the socket itself. Your surgeon will confirm which applies to your case through imaging and a physical examination rather than through fracture type alone.

Hip fractures in older adults often happen after a fall, and recovery involves more than just the surgery itself. In the days and weeks after partial hip replacement, family members are often the ones who notice early warning signs before the patient mentions them. Sudden increased pain in the hip or groin, the leg appearing shorter or turned outward, new swelling or redness around the incision, fever, or a sudden inability to bear weight after previously walking with support should all be reported to the surgical team promptly rather than waited out.

On the safety side, reducing fall risk at home matters just as much as the surgery itself for long term outcomes. Simple steps such as securing loose rugs, adding grab rails near the bathroom and bed, improving lighting on stairs, and keeping walking aids within easy reach can meaningfully lower the risk of a second fracture during recovery.

Partial hip replacement is considered a safe and well established procedure, particularly for older patients with hip fractures, but like any surgery it carries some risk. Possible complications include infection at the surgical site, blood clot formation in the legs, dislocation of the new joint, and, less commonly, wear or loosening of the implant over time. Early mobilization, preventive medication where appropriate, and following your surgeon's postoperative guidance all help reduce these risks. Your surgeon can walk you through which risks are most relevant to your specific case and overall health.

Cost varies depending on the implant type and material, whether bone cement or a press fit technique is used, the complexity of the fracture, and the length of hospital stay. Because partial hip replacement is generally a shorter, more contained procedure than a total hip replacement, it is often positioned at a lower cost, though this depends on the individual case. A written estimate specific to your situation is provided after a full clinical evaluation.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal has practised orthopaedics in Chennai for over eighteen years, with a specific focus on hip and knee arthroplasty, including hemiarthroplasty for fracture patients, and has treated more than twelve thousand patients across his career. His training includes fellowships in joint replacement surgery in Mumbai, Germany, and Australia, and he is the founder of MAHI Hospitals in Chennai.

Locations

MAHI Hospitals, No. 118, Poonamallee High Road, Vepery, Chennai 600084.

Phone: +91 91597 11355

Partial hip replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty, is a reliable treatment for severe hip fractures affecting the femoral head or neck. By replacing only the damaged portion and retaining the natural socket, the procedure allows for pain relief and a faster recovery than a total hip replacement typically offers. For those considering partial hip replacement surgery in Chennai, an expert evaluation and a structured rehabilitation plan help patients regain mobility and return to daily activities with confidence.