✦ Targeted Hip Surgery

Partial Hip Replacement

Q: Why choose partial rather than total hip replacement for a fracture?

Hemiarthroplasty is simpler, faster, and carries less surgical risk than total replacement — making it the preferred choice for elderly patients with lower functional demands and a healthy acetabular surface where the socket does not need to be replaced.

Q: How quickly is surgery performed after a hip fracture?

Surgery is ideally performed within 24–48 hours of a hip fracture. Early surgery substantially reduces pain, complications including pneumonia and pressure sores, and mortality — particularly in elderly patients who deteriorate rapidly when confined to bed.

Q: What is the difference between unipolar and bipolar hemiarthroplasty?

A unipolar prosthesis articulates directly against the native acetabulum. A bipolar design incorporates an inner bearing within the prosthesis head, allowing movement at two surfaces — potentially reducing long-term acetabular cartilage erosion.

Q: Will I walk normally following partial hip replacement?

Yes. Most patients regain a normal walking pattern within 4–6 weeks with physiotherapy. Functional outcomes are consistently good when surgery is performed promptly and an early mobilisation rehabilitation programme is followed diligently.

The femoral head is replaced with a prosthesis while the natural socket is preserved — used primarily for selected hip fractures where early mobilisation and reliable pain relief are the priority.

45–75 min PROCEDURE

3–4 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

6–8 Weeks FULL RECOVERY

What is Partial Hip Replacement?

Partial hip replacement — hemiarthroplasty — involves replacing the femoral head with an artificial prosthesis while leaving the natural acetabular socket undisturbed. It is most frequently performed for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures where the interrupted blood supply to the femoral head makes fixation unreliable. By replacing rather than repairing the head, the procedure eliminates the risks of avascular necrosis and non-union that accompany fixation attempts. Dr. Sai Kishan performs partial hip replacement at Lux Hospitals using contemporary unipolar and bipolar prostheses selected according to patient age and functional expectation.

Primarily used for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with lower physical demands, a healthy acetabular cartilage surface, and where getting the patient upright and mobile within 24 hours is the clinical priority.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Approach Planning

Spinal or general anaesthesia; the most appropriate surgical approach — posterior or anterolateral — is selected based on patient factors.

Joint Exposure & Head Removal

The hip is opened; the fractured femoral head is carefully dislocated and removed; the acetabular surface is inspected and confirmed to be healthy.

Femoral Canal Preparation

The femoral canal is prepared with sequential broaches; trial sizing determines the correct stem dimensions and head offset.

Prosthesis Insertion & Reduction

The stem is inserted — cemented in the majority of elderly patients; the prosthetic head is attached and reduced into the native socket.

Stability Confirmation & Closure

Hip stability and limb length are assessed; the wound is closed in layers and physiotherapy with walking begins the following morning.

Outcomes

45–75 minDURATION

3–4 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

6–8 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Rapid elimination of fracture pain with mobilisation beginning within 24 hours
→Avoids the avascular necrosis and non-union risks of fracture fixation
→The native acetabular socket is preserved — a simpler surgical reconstruction
→Shorter operative time reduces anaesthetic exposure in medically frail patients
→Bipolar prostheses reduce long-term socket wear compared to unipolar designs
→Conversion to total hip replacement remains feasible if required in future

For displaced hip fractures in elderly patients, getting them mobile quickly is not just a surgical goal — it is a life-saving priority. Hemiarthroplasty achieves that reliably, safely, and consistently.

— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Why choose partial rather than total hip replacement for a fracture?+

How quickly is surgery performed after a hip fracture?+

What is the difference between unipolar and bipolar hemiarthroplasty?+

Will I walk normally following partial hip replacement?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.

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