Overview

When hip bones are damaged, it can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities. Fractures or injuries to the hip bones may require surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and prolonged recovery time. Proper medical assessment and treatment are crucial to restore functionality and alleviate discomfort.

In case of injury to the hip bone due to arthritis or an external injury, the affected individual feels extreme pain. The patient is unable to move or sit comfortably. Surgery helps to replace the damaged part of the hip joint and replace it with a metal or plastic prosthesis.

The decision between total or partial hip replacement surgery depends on various factors, including the extent of hip joint damage, age, overall health, and the patient's functional needs. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, including imaging tests and comprehensive medical history, helps determine the most suitable surgical approach for each individual.

What is a partial hip replacement?

A partial hip replacement, also known as a hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing only the damaged or diseased part of the hip joint. In this procedure, the femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone) is replaced with a prosthetic implant, while the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis) remains intact. It is typically performed in cases where the femoral head is severely damaged, but the socket is still healthy. This surgery is not advisable for people suffering from damaged hip femoral due to arthritis. In such cases, total hip surgery is recommended by doctors.

Who needs a partial hip replacement?

- Damaged Femoral Head- This form of hip surgery is for people with a damaged femoral head of the hip joint and intact acetabulum. The surgery helps replace the non-functional femoral head with a metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthesis. The surgery is also successful with the last stage of femoral head fracture with no alignment of bones and no contact between bone fragments.
- Stable Fracture- A medical scenario when the bones are pressed together but are not disconnected. It helps to keep the alignment of the bones intact to a great extent. Such situations are ideal for the partial form of surgery.
- Intact Alignment of Bones- When the hip bones suffer from a fracture but are still aligned can also benefit from this form of surgery. The surgery helps in the replacement of non-functional and painful bones.
- Osteoarthritis- In some cases of hip osteoarthritis, where the damage is limited to the femoral head while the acetabulum remains healthy, a partial hip replacement may be considered as a treatment option.
- Avascular necrosis- It involves the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. A partial hip replacement may be appropriate if the damage is confined to the femoral head.
- Connected Bone Fragments- The surgery is also the right choice for people suffering from complete hip bone fracture or misaligned hip bone but still have contact between two bone fragments.

How is partial hip surgery performed?

Like every surgery, anaesthesia is given to avoid pain during the surgery. An incision over the surgical area is made to insert instruments to perform the surgery. Tendons, tissues, and muscles covering the surgical area are slowly moved aside without causing any damage to them.

The procedure ahead involves the removal of the non-functional femoral head. Space is made inside the femur for the insertion of the femoral head. After making the room, the femoral head is fixed inside with the help of cement. After this step, the prosthetic made from metal, plastic, or ceramic is set on top. Hip joints are then joined together along with tendons, muscles, and tissues, moved away to reach the joint. Recovering from partial hip replacement depends upon the patient and the seriousness of the patient to follow instructions given by the doctor.

Risks of Partial Hip Replacement

Mentioned below are some of the complications that can occur due to the form of surgery:

- Blood Clots- Blood clots are one of the common risks after any surgery. A blood clot can damage a vein and obstruct the functioning of the heart, lungs, or liver. The situation can become fatal if not treated promptly. Doctors can suggest blood thinners like warfarin and aspirin to eliminate the clot.
- Infection- Infection is another highly observed complication after surgery. Infection can affect the incision and tissues near the surgical site. The bacteria can also damage the replaced prosthetics leading to re-operating the area. To avoid the situation, a doctor recommends antibiotics.
- Dislocation- Hip joint dislocation after surgery may occur due to extreme hip positions. Hence, a doctor suggests avoiding bending or strenuous activities to prevent hip dislocation. In case of repetitive dislocation, a doctor may fit a brace to keep the ball and socket in place.
- Loose Implant- It is a rare situation when the implants fixed with the help of surgery loosens up. It can happen due to improper fixation. The case can be healed with the use of another surgery.

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

Mentioned below are the pointers that must be followed for the quick recovery of the patient:

- Timely follow-ups with the doctor
- Timely medications
- Physiotherapy

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Partial hip replacement helps to lower the pain in the lower body and allows a patient to perform routine activities seamlessly. The procedure is highly successful and is recommendable for hip joint surgery.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/hip-replacement-surgery-how-to-prepare-for-a-successful-procedure/
- https://www.honorhealth.com/medical-services/orthopedics/partial-hip-replacement-surgery
- https://www.medifee.com/surgery/partial-hip-replacement-surgery-in-india