Partial hip joint replacement

Understanding hemiarthroplasty

A Partial Hip Joint Replacement, also known as a hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where only the damaged portion of the hip joint is replaced with an artificial part. Unlike a total hip replacement, a Partial Hip Joint Replacement focuses solely on replacing the ball of the hip joint (the femoral head), while the socket (acetabulum) remains intact.

This procedure is typically recommended to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function in individuals with specific hip injuries, such as a fractured femoral head. Because a Partial Hip Joint Replacement involves less extensive surgery than a total hip replacement, recovery may be quicker, allowing you to return to your daily activities sooner.

For patients seeking pain relief and improved movement without undergoing a full joint replacement, a Partial Hip Joint Replacement can be an effective, less invasive option.

Who is a Candidate?

Individuals suffering with severe hip pain and disability, usually due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or fractures where only one part of the hip joint is damaged. Those whose symptoms are not relieved by conservative measures (medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes).

Recovery Timeline 

(May vary with provider)

• Immediate (days 1–3): Mobilisation begins with physiotherapy, often weight-bearing as tolerated.
• Short-term (4–6 weeks): Walking with aids, return to basic daily activities.
• Medium-term (3–6 months): Improved strength, function, and reduced pain; many resume low-impact activities.
• Long-term (6–12 months): Full recovery for the majority of people, with continued functional gains. Implants typically last 15–20+ years.

Benefits

• Significant pain relief.
• Improved mobility, function, and independence.
• Enhanced quality of life.
• Long-lasting results in most patients.

Risks

• General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots.
• Implant-specific risks: dislocation, leg length discrepancy, loosening/wear of the prosthesis, need for revision surgery.
• Rare but serious risks: nerve or blood vessel injury.

This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.