Eva Hospital
Partial Hip Replacement Surgery
Surgery Overview
Removal and replacement of the ball of the hip joint are called Partial Hip replacement surgery. The socket is not replaced and this surgery is mostly performed to repair certain types of hip fractures.
The type and extent of the injury or condition decide whether one needs partial or total hip replacement surgery.
The procedure is known as a partial hip replacement because only the damaged portion of the hip joint is replaced.
The surgery is performed under either general or local anesthesia based on your overall health.
However, Partial hip replacement is not suggested for treating injuries or conditions related to arthritis. The degenerative effects of arthritis are bound to affect the entire hip joint, sooner or later.
Usually, for the patients showing signs of arthritis, total hip replacement surgery is recommended.
Procedure & Technique
The broken femoral head is removed, & the fractured end of the neck is trimmed inserting a femoral stem (one-piece prosthesis of stem & ball).
The ceramic or metal ball attached to a metal femoral stem is named a hip implant. The stem is set down into the core of the thigh bone known as the femur and is firmly fixed in the femur in one of two ways:
- Cemented to the bone.
- Uncemented, in which the stem has a porous coating that the bone grows into.
There is no interference with the acetabulum as it is still in very good condition.
Most partial hip replacement surgeries take less than one hour. The surgeon can choose to perform an open surgery, where a long incision is made diagonal to the joint, or a less-invasive, procedure requiring only one or two small cuts.
Post Surgery Recuperation
Post-surgery pain is controlled with intravenous medicines. Medication is also given to prevent infection, blood clots, and nausea.
The patient is taught how to move the body without dislocating the hip. Until the hip is fully healed, one needs to follow a few hip precautions like avoiding twisting at the hips, keeping your shoulders, hips, knees, and feet facing forward, and not crossing legs or feet.
Also Read:- Types of Hip Replacement Surgeries
Hospital Stay & Recovery
Usually, the hospital stay in the Partial Hip replacement is short. One begins to stand and walk with support on the day of the surgery itself. Patients can go home within 24-48 hours after the care team has ensured that the patient is
- Able to use the bathroom without assistance.
- Walk with the help of an assistive device on level surfaces.
- Climb up & down at least two or three stairs.
Patients might need someone to help at home for the next few weeks or until they have more energy. A walker, crutches, or a cane might be needed for a few weeks. Taking a short walk a few times each day helps regain strength faster. A cold pack on the hips can help the soreness.
Patients are also instructed to perform exercises religiously at home. The recovery plan also includes comprehensive outpatient physical therapy to help one regain strength, improve movement, function, and get back to doing normal activities.
One should avoid driving till the doctor says it is okay to drive.
Patients can take up to 6 months to recover from hip replacement surgery. Walking and physical therapy exercises speed up the recovery.
One can fully resume activities like golfing, biking, swimming, or dancing a few months after the surgery. But running, playing tennis, and doing other things that put a lot of stress on the joints are discouraged.
Bottomline
A partial hip replacement surgery is a highly recommended method to repair most hip fractures. It is a very successful method that helps patients to lead a normal life like before just a few months after the surgery.
Dr. Tanveer Bhutani has performed numerous successful Partial Hip Replacement Surgeries at Eva Hospital. The hospital is fully equipped for the post-surgery management and rehabilitation of the patients.