Partial hip replacement surgery in Europe
From £8,255 at accredited European hospitals
What is hemiarthroplasty (partial hip joint replacement)?
A Partial Hip Joint Replacement, also known as a hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which only the ball of the hip joint (the femoral head) is replaced with an artificial component. Unlike total hip replacement, the socket (acetabulum), remains intact.
The procedure is most commonly performed following a femoral neck fracture, a hip fracture near the top of the thigh bone, where the blood supply to the femoral head has been disrupted and the bone cannot be repaired. It may also be recommended in specific cases of avascular necrosis, where the bone tissue in the femoral head deteriorates due to loss of blood supply, and the socket remains undamaged.
Because partial hip replacement is less extensive than total hip replacement, it typically involves a shorter operating time and, in many cases, a quicker initial recovery.
Through My Medical Gateway, partial hip replacement surgery is available at accredited hospitals in Romania and Spain, with packages starting from £8,255.
Who is a candidate for partial hip replacement?
Partial hip replacement is most commonly recommended for patients who:
- Have a femoral neck fracture, a hip fracture near the top of the thigh bone, where the blood supply to the femoral head has been disrupted and direct repair is not possible
- Have avascular necrosis of the femoral head, where bone tissue has deteriorated due to loss of blood supply, but the socket remains in good condition
- Have a condition affecting only the femoral head, where replacing the full joint would be unnecessarily extensive
Partial hip replacement is not typically used to treat osteoarthritis. Patients with arthritis affecting both surfaces of the hip joint are usually better served by total hip replacement.
Your My Medical Gateway-partnered specialist will carry out a thorough assessment before any treatment is confirmed. You will not proceed to surgery without a formal consultation and your fully informed consent.
Recovery timeline after partial hip replacement
(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.
What is included in a My Medical Gateway Treatment Package?
Treatment packages include:
- Pre-operative diagnosis and consultations with your specialist
- The surgical procedure, including graft materials and all surgical equipment
- Hospital accommodation for the duration of your stay, often day surgery or a one-night stay
- Nursing care and initial post-operative physiotherapy
- 90-day check-up with your surgical team
Flights and accommodation in the destination country are not included. Your hospital's MMG coordinator can advise on travel planning.
Benefits of partial hip replacement surgery
- Significant pain relief.
- Improved mobility, function, and independence.
- Enhanced quality of life.
- Long-lasting results in most patients.
Risks of partial hip replacement surgery
- 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.
For patients whose arthritis affects both surfaces of the hip joint, total hip replacement be the more appropriate option.
Partner hospitals for partial hip joint replacement
Our specialist partial hip joint replacement surgeons
Every partial hip replacement procedure through My Medical Gateway is performed by a named, qualified specialist orthopaedic surgeon at your chosen accredited hospital. All surgeons practise within nationally regulated healthcare systems and are fully qualified in their field.
Why Choose My Medical Gateway?
My Medical Gateway works with a carefully selected network of European hospitals chosen for clinical quality, safety and proven outcomes.
Both partner hospitals offering partial hip replacement have been assessed for clinical and quality standards before being made available to patients. When you enquire, you will speak with a member of our UK-based patient coordination team who will guide you through your options and support you throughout your journey.
To speak with our team, call 0161 9600 700 or submit an enquiry online.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) replaces only the ball of the hip joint, the femoral head, leaving the socket intact. Total hip replacement replaces both the ball and the socket. Partial replacement is most commonly used following a hip fracture or in cases of avascular necrosis where the socket remains undamaged. For patients with arthritis affecting both surfaces of the joint, total hip replacement is usually more appropriate. My Medical Gateway offers both procedures at partner hospitals across Europe.
A: Partial hip replacement is generally a shorter procedure than total hip replacement, typically taking around 1 to 2 hours, though this varies depending on the patient's individual circumstances and the surgical approach used.
A: Yes. If a patient who has had a partial hip replacement subsequently develops significant arthritis in the socket, or if the partial replacement does not perform as expected, it may be converted to a total hip replacement in a revision procedure. The likelihood of needing revision varies depending on the patient's age, activity level and underlying condition. Your surgeon will discuss long-term outcomes during your pre-operative consultation.
A: All surgical procedures through My Medical Gateway are performed by named, specialist orthopaedic surgeons practising within nationally regulated healthcare environments. You will be introduced to the surgeon performing your procedure during your pre-operative consultation, before any treatment is confirmed. You are encouraged to ask about their qualifications, experience and the specific techniques they will use.