Partial Hip Replacement
What is Partial Hip Replacement
When the hip joint doesn't function the way it should, a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) is carried out. The femur bone's femoral head resembles a ball, and the acetabulum makes up the hip joint (similar to a socket). For the joint to work properly, the femoral head must fit into the acetabulum. So how do medical professionals decide if a partial hip replacement or a total hip replacement is required? The sort of harm or injury your hip joint has endured will determine the response.
When to go for surgery
Depending on the degree of hip joint injury, the orthopaedic surgeon may advise partial hip replacement surgery. It is often carried out if a femoral neck fracture that develops cannot be healed and the socket is intact or undamaged. Only the hip joint ball must be replaced by the doctor.
A partial hip replacement may be advised when an accident fractures the femoral head of the femur bone but leaves the acetabulum completely undamaged. A total hip replacement fixes issues with the acetabulum and the femoral head, including degeneration, injury, or dysfunction. A partial hip replacement exclusively resolves problems with the femoral head, as opposed to a total hip replacement, which can address problems with either the acetabulum or the femoral head (or both).
The Procedure
In partial hip replacement surgery, the femoral head of the hip joint is replaced just once, as opposed to both sides as in a total hip replacement. This procedure is also known as hemiarthroplasty. The majority of elderly patients with hip fractures get this treatment. A partial hip replacement surgery is performed (incisions) through one or two cuts. The cuts are frequently found on the side or posterior (rear) of your hip. A combination of anaesthetics and sedatives may be administered to you. Or you could take a sleeping pill as advised by your doctor.
Post Surgery Care
Partial hip replacement requires no less care as compared to total hip replacement. In some cases, patients may need to take blood clot-preventing medication for a few weeks following surgery. It is important to take the following care and precautions:
It's best to walk with the support of a walker or crutches for a few weeks.
Work your way up to going for a couple of short daily walks when your energy returns.
Try applying a cold pack to your hip if it's hurting.
Having a physiotherapist visit the house once the patient is shifted back home is a good idea.
Regular monitoring by the caregiver helps in a faster recovery.