Hip fractures in the elderly can severely affect mobility and quality of life. Hemiarthroplasty, which is arguably one of the most successful surgical options for some hip fractures, is a procedure in which the fractured femoral head is replaced but not the intact acetabulum. It is typically applied when a total hip replacement is not feasible. The best hospital for hip replacement surgery provides access to orthopedic specialized care, high-technology surgical procedures, and comprehensive-range rehabilitation services. Understanding the procedure, its advantages and disadvantages, and the recovery process can assist in making informed decisions regarding healthcare decisions for the patient and family.
Book a consultation with our top orthopedic specialists at Felix Hospitals and take the first step toward a pain-free life. Call us now at +91 9667064100.
A hemiarthroplasty is a half replacement of the hip that is performed to repair a hip fracture. It is employed in certain very unusual cases to repair an arthritic hip that has collapsed.
A hemiarthroplasty surgery is a half replacement of the hip that only half of the hip joint is replaced. Hemi is “half” and arthroplasty is “joint replacement.” Complete replacement of the hip joint is total hip replacement (THR).
Your hip joint is also referred to as a “ball-in-socket” joint. The “ball” is the femoral head, the rounded end of the femur. The femur is the big bone of your thigh.
The “socket” of the hip is referred to as the acetabulum. The acetabulum encloses the femoral head so that it can glide with your leg position changing. A hemiarthroplasty surgery will resurface the femoral head. If the socket must be resurfaced as well, you will have a THR.
If you have broken your hip, a hemiarthroplasty can return normal motion to your hip. If your femoral head is broken but your acetabulum is not, you might be a good candidate for a hemiarthroplasty surgery. Your physician might suggest a THR, depending on:
In the first place, your physician shall attempt to handle your hip arthritis through physical exercise, pain management drugs, and minimizing the lower stress activities for the hip joint.
Total replacement of the hip is used more commonly to repair hip arthritis for most patients. Historically, nowadays, merely patients with a hip fracture (femoral neck fractures) are handled through a hemiarthroplasty.
In instances of severe rarity, a patient is treated with a hemiarthroplasty in the event they have an at-risk joint instability. Seeking hip fracture treatment at the best orthopedic hospital in Noida ensures access to expert orthopedic specialists who can assess your condition and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
The procedure is shorter to complete and requires less blood loss compared to a THR. There may be less likelihood of hip dislocation after a hemiarthroplasty surgery compared to after a THR, too.
If the acetabulum is fairly healthy with little arthritis, a hemiarthroplasty can be the optimal option, particularly in elderly patients who are not highly active.
Younger, more active patients will fare better with a THR. With a THR, you will have a greater chance of having less pain, improved long-term function, and increased walking ability compared to hemiarthroplasty.
A hemiarthroplasty is usually performed shortly following a fall or other trauma that resulted in a hip fracture, so there might not be a lot you can do to prepare. The procedure involves a few days at least of in-patient hospital stay.
If you can, you will want to have someone accompany you to the hospital, and to assist with making arrangements for your hospital stay and discharge home or to a step-down facility.
You will be given a general anesthetic, and you will be asleep throughout. Or you can be given a regional spinal anesthetic, where you are awake but numb from the waist down. Your doctor will discuss this with you and make a recommendation.
The operation begins by incising around the thigh at the hip. Some surgeons incise on the side (posterior approach), while others incise on the front of the hip (anterior approach).
Once the joint is visible to the surgeon, the femoral head is disengaged from the acetabulum.
A group of muscles, tendons, and ligaments holds the ball and socket together. The femoral head is also separated from the rest of the femur. The interior of the femur is hollowed out and a metal stem is inserted tightly within the femur. Stems will be fixed with bone cement to reduce the likelihood of femur fracture.
A metal or artificial femoral head is snugly fitted onto the stem. It can be screwed to another head lined with plastic (polyethylene). This is a bipolar prosthesis (head in a head). The skin incision is finally closed and bandaged.
You will receive pain medications after your surgery. Take proper care to use them only as directed. You should also start physical therapy shortly after surgery. This will begin while you are in the hospital and then resume after discharge home or transfer to a step-down unit.
You can have in-home therapy or follow-up appointments to a physical therapy clinic. The length of your therapy depends on a variety of factors, including your health and age. You may have to use a cane or walker to help avoid falls in the future.
You may need to avoid or cut down on lots of lifting and lots of climbing for the rest of your life. Your ability to run and play sports, like tennis, can be restricted too.
Low-impact exercise needs to be included in your routine for overall health, however. Discuss with your doctor what you can and cannot do for the coming months and years.
As with any surgery, a hemiarthroplasty has some complications. They are:
The infection risk from hemiarthroplasty is estimated at one percent, although if it happens, the complications can be quite severe. Infections can go on to involve the rest of the hip, and a further operation may be needed.
Infection can occur days after surgery or years afterward. Pre-treatment with antibiotics before having dental procedures, or surgery on your bladder or colon might be advised to stop a bacterial infection from becoming infected in your hip.
Any operation on the hips or legs increases the risk of a blood clot in a leg vein (deep vein thrombosis). It will block blood from moving in the leg if it’s large enough. You’ll probably be put on a blood thinner after a hemiarthroplasty to prevent a blood clot.
Clots may also go to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and lead to severe heart and lung disease. Getting up and moving around and elevating your legs as early as possible after operation is the best way to avoid deep vein thrombosis.
If the ball slips out of the socket, it’s called a dislocation. It’s most common soon after a hemiarthroplasty, while the connective tissue in the joint is still healing. Your doctor and your physical therapist should explain how to avoid hip dislocation.
A successful hemiarthroplasty should last about 20 years Trusted Source without loosening. Since then or even before, the prosthetic hip can lose some of its fixation to the bone. This is a painful complication and most often needs a second operation to correct it.
We at Felix Hospitals offer the best and latest treatments for the hip fracture and pelvis area fracture. Our tailored treatments will ensure that you are back on your feet and independent as soon as possible.
We have an orthopedic surgeon team headed by Dr. Piyush Kumar Singh, Dr. Keshav Goel, Dr Binay Kumar Sahu, and Dr. Varun Aggarwal who give precise diagnosis and treatments with minimal invasive fracture fixation, complex fracture fixation, periarticular joint fracture fixation, joint sparing operations for early osteoarthritic conditions, and total joint replacements, and deformity correction. We also give solutions to all types of sports injuries and individualized rehabilitation programs.
We employ advanced technology to treat acetabulum fractures at Felix Hospitals. To book an appointment today.
The post-hemiarthroplasty mortality rate after an untattered hip fracture has been estimated to be 20-35% at 90 days, owing mainly to preoperative illness among the affected patients. Adequate nutrition, in the form of a high-protein diet, is required for healing, and enhancing healing and muscle strength. Stiffness or pain on the part of the patient are to be expected postoperatively, but continued discomfort must be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider promptly. Patients need to remain physically active, follow their physical therapy program, and report for all follow-up visits. Walking with or without support at least three times daily is critical to the preservation of mobility and avoidance of complications.
Hemiarthroplasty is a safe and successful procedure for certain fractures of the hip, with the pain eradicated and an increase in mobility. While the procedure has some risks, good post-operative care, rehabilitation staged in a sequential manner, and lifestyle changes are all crucial in making recovery straightforward and long-term success.
1. How do I decide if I need a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip replacement?
Ans. If only the femoral head (ball) of your hip joint is broken and the socket is still intact, your surgeon might advise hemiarthroplasty. The most suitable option depends on age, activity level, and overall condition of the hip.
2. What is the recovery time frame after hemiarthroplasty?
Ans. The majority of patients can walk with support 24-48 hours following surgery. Complete recovery is 3-6 months, depending on physical therapy and general health.
3. Will I resume normal activities after hemiarthroplasty?
Ans. Yes, but with some adjustment. Low-impact activities such as walking and swimming are advised, whereas high-impact sports will have to be avoided to maintain implant longevity.
4. How long will a hemiarthroplasty implant survive?
Ans. A properly placed implant can survive 15-20 years. Activity level, bone quality, and postoperative care influence longevity.
5. What are the symptoms of complications following hemiarthroplasty?
Ans. Symptoms are persistent pain, swelling, redness, fever, pain on walking, or a clicking feeling in the hip. If you have any of these, see your doctor as soon as possible.
6. How is hemiarthroplasty different from other treatments of hip fracture?
Ans. Hemiarthroplasty is favored in elderly, low-demand patients, while more active, younger patients can be treated with a total hip replacement for improved long-term function.
7. Are there any postoperative restrictions to avoid dislocation?
Ans. Yes. Steer clear of crossing your legs, greater than 90-degree hip flexion, and twisting movements for several months to reduce the risk of dislocation. Your physical therapist will instruct you on what is safe to do.
