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Hemiarthroplasty surgery

Hemiarthroplasty Surgery for Hip Fractures and Joint Damage

A hip fracture or severe damage to the hip joint can significantly affect your ability to walk, stand, and perform everyday activities. Hemiarthroplasty is an advanced orthopedic procedure that replaces the damaged ball (femoral head) of the hip joint while preserving the natural hip socket. It is commonly recommended for older adults with hip fractures or patients whose hip socket remains healthy.

Compared to a total hip replacement, Hemiarthroplasty surgery is less extensive because only one part of the hip joint is replaced. The primary goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to their daily activities safely and comfortably.

Our experienced orthopedic team provides personalized evaluation, advanced surgical techniques, and comprehensive rehabilitation to support faster recovery and long-term joint function.

What is Hemiarthroplasty?

Hemiarthroplasty is a type of partial hip replacement surgery in which only the damaged femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is replaced with a prosthetic implant, while the natural hip socket (acetabulum) is left intact.

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that allows smooth movement during walking, sitting, standing, and bending. When the femoral head is severely damaged due to a fracture or certain hip conditions, replacing only the damaged portion can effectively relieve pain and restore movement.

Hemiarthroplasty is most commonly performed for displaced femoral neck fractures, especially in elderly patients.

When is Hemiarthroplasty Recommended?

Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend Hemiarthroplasty surgery if the hip socket is healthy but the femoral head is damaged beyond repair.

Common conditions include:

  • Displaced femoral neck fractures
  • Hip fractures in elderly patients
  • Severe trauma to the femoral head
  • Certain cases of avascular necrosis (AVN)
  • Failed internal fixation of a hip fracture
  • Irreparable damage to the femoral head

A detailed clinical examination and imaging studies help determine whether Hemiarthroplasty or Total Hip Replacement is the most appropriate treatment.

Hemiarthroplasty Procedure

The procedure is carefully planned to restore hip stability and improve mobility.

01

Preoperative Evaluation

Before surgery, your orthopedic surgeon performs:

  • Physical examination
  • X-rays or MRI (if required)
  • Blood tests
  • Medical fitness assessment
  • Evaluation of bone quality and overall health

02

Anesthesia

The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.

03

Removal of the Damaged Femoral Head

The fractured or damaged femoral head is carefully removed while preserving the healthy hip socket.

04

Implant Placement

A prosthetic femoral stem and artificial femoral head are inserted into the thigh bone. The implant is positioned to restore proper hip alignment, stability, and movement.

05

Wound Closure

Once the implant is securely placed and hip movement is assessed, the incision is closed using advanced surgical techniques.

05

Rehabilitation

Patients are encouraged to begin physiotherapy and assisted walking as early as possible to regain strength, balance, and mobility.

Benefits of Hemiarthroplasty

Hemiarthroplasty offers several advantages for carefully selected patients.

Effective Pain Relief

Replacing the damaged femoral head helps relieve pain caused by fractures and joint damage.

Restores Mobility

Patients can regain the ability to stand, walk, and perform daily activities more comfortably.

Preserves the Natural Hip Socket

Since the acetabulum remains healthy, only the damaged part of the hip joint is replaced.

Shorter Surgical Procedure

Compared with Total Hip Replacement in selected cases, Hemiarthroplasty may involve a shorter operation.

Early Weight Bearing

Many patients are encouraged to begin walking with support shortly after surgery under medical supervision.

Improved Quality of Life

The procedure helps patients regain independence and return to everyday activities with greater confidence.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hemiarthroplasty?

Hemiarthroplasty may be recommended for patients who have:

  • Displaced femoral neck fractures
  • Healthy hip socket with a damaged femoral head
  • Hip fractures requiring surgical treatment
  • Good potential for rehabilitation
  • Conditions where partial hip replacement is more appropriate than total hip replacement

Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend the most suitable procedure after a thorough evaluation.

Recovery After Hemiarthroplasty

Recovery depends on your age, general health, bone quality, and commitment to rehabilitation.

Recovery Stage

Immediately After Surgery

Early care focuses on comfort, safe movement, and a confident start.

  • Pain management
  • Early assisted walking
  • Physiotherapy begins
  • Hospital monitoring
Recovery Stage

First Few Weeks

Small daily improvements build strength and restore comfortable movement.

  • Walking with support
  • Muscle strengthening exercises
  • Improved hip movement
  • Increased confidence during daily activities
Recovery Stage

Long-Term Recovery

Most patients gradually return to routine activities while continuing prescribed exercises and attending follow-up appointments.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following your rehabilitation plan contributes to long-term success.

Risks of Hemiarthroplasty

Although Hemiarthroplasty is a commonly performed and successful procedure, potential risks include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Hip dislocation
  • Implant loosening over time
  • Leg length difference
  • Fracture around the implant
  • Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare)
  • Temporary stiffness

Your orthopedic team takes every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure a safe recovery.

Why Choose Our Orthopedic Team?

We are committed to providing comprehensive orthopedic care with a patient-first approach.

Our services include:

  • Experienced orthopedic surgeons
  • Advanced surgical techniques
  • High-quality prosthetic implants
  • Personalized treatment planning
  • Modern operation theatre facilities
  • Dedicated physiotherapy and rehabilitation
  • Comprehensive post-operative follow-up
  • Focus on safe recovery and long-term mobility
Looking for guidance?

Common questions answered

Hemiarthroplasty is a partial hip replacement surgery in which only the damaged femoral head is replaced with an artificial implant while preserving the natural hip socket.

Hemiarthroplasty is commonly recommended for patients with displaced femoral neck fractures, especially elderly individuals with a healthy hip socket.

In Hemiarthroplasty, only the femoral head is replaced. In Total Hip Replacement, both the femoral head and the hip socket are replaced with artificial implants.

The procedure generally takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the patient's condition and the complexity of the surgery.

Most patients begin walking with assistance within 24 to 48 hours after surgery under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

Many patients regain independence in daily activities within 6 to 12 weeks, although complete recovery may take several months depending on age and rehabilitation.

Modern prosthetic implants are designed to provide long-lasting function. Implant longevity depends on overall health, activity level, bone quality, and regular follow-up care.

Yes. Hemiarthroplasty is widely performed for elderly patients with hip fractures and can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life when performed after appropriate medical evaluation.

Hemiarthroplasty is a partial hip replacement procedure that replaces only the damaged femoral head while preserving the natural hip socket. It is commonly performed for displaced hip fractures, especially in older adults, to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life. With advanced surgical techniques and structured rehabilitation, many patients can return to their daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.