Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)
Only the femoral head is replaced with a metal prosthesis, preserving the patient's own acetabular socket — the standard surgical treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.
What is Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)?
A partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) replaces only the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) with a metal prosthesis while preserving the patient's own acetabular cartilage and socket. It is the standard of care for displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures in elderly, lower-demand patients, where the shorter operation time and immediate weight-bearing capability are significant advantages. Bipolar hemiarthroplasty uses a dual-articulation head that reduces wear on the acetabular cartilage compared to a unipolar design, and is the preferred implant in most patients. The key advantage over total hip replacement in fracture cases is reduced operative time, less blood loss, and lower dislocation risk.
How the Procedure Works
Fracture Exposure
A posterior or anterolateral approach exposes the fractured femoral neck and head.
Femoral Head Removal
The fractured femoral head is removed; the femoral canal is prepared (broached) for the prosthetic stem.
Implant Sizing & Trialling
The prosthesis is sized to match the resected femoral head; a trial reduction confirms stability and range of motion.
Final Implantation
The stem is cemented or press-fit; the bipolar head is assembled; the joint is reduced and tested through a full arc of movement.
Early Mobilisation
Full weight-bearing with a walking frame begins on day one or two — restoring independence rapidly.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Significantly shorter operation time than total hip replacement — reduces anaesthetic risk in elderly patients
- →Full weight-bearing allowed from day one — critical in frail patients to prevent bed complications
- →Bipolar design reduces long-term acetabular wear
- →Can be converted to total hip replacement if acetabular cartilage wears later
- →Lower dislocation risk compared to total hip replacement
- →Highly reproducible procedure with well-established outcomes
"In a frail elderly patient with a hip fracture, getting them back on their feet the next day is the primary goal — it prevents pneumonia, blood clots, pressure sores, and deconditioning. Partial hip replacement makes that possible, and it saves lives."
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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