Partial Hip Replacement

A partial hip replacement can restore movement and relieve pain after a hip fracture, without the need to replace the entire joint. Dr David Slattery is a Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon who performs partial hip replacement surgery using modern implants and, where appropriate, minimally invasive anterior techniques.

What Is a Partial Hip Replacement?

A partial hip replacement, also known as a hip hemiarthroplasty, replaces only the ball-shaped head at the top of the thigh bone (the femoral head) while leaving your natural hip socket (the acetabulum) intact.

During the procedure, the damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a prosthetic head attached to a metal stem. The stem is inserted down into the shaft of the femur, where it is either cemented into place or press-fitted so that bone grows around its porous surface over time.

Because only one side of the joint is replaced, a partial hip replacement is a shorter and less invasive operation than a total hip replacement. It is only effective when the socket itself is still healthy.

Partial Hip Replacement vs Total Hip Replacement

The key difference is the extent of the joint that is replaced. Because arthritis is a degenerative condition that usually damages both the ball and the socket, patients with significant arthritis are almost always better served by a total hip replacement.

Who Is Suitable for Partial Hip Replacement Surgery?

The most common reason for a partial hip replacement is a fractured femoral neck (a neck of femur or NOF fracture) in a patient whose hip socket remains healthy. Dr Slattery may recommend the procedure if:

• You have sustained a displaced hip fracture and the blood supply to the femoral head has been compromised
• Your acetabulum shows no significant arthritic wear
• Your activity demands are moderate rather than high
• You would benefit from a shorter operation with less time under anaesthetic

Partial hip replacement can be a good option for higher-risk or frail patients for exactly this reason. It should not be viewed as a lesser version of a total hip replacement, because the two procedures answer very different clinical problems.

Unipolar and Bipolar Implants

There are two main implant designs used in hip hemiarthroplasty.

A unipolar implant has a single fixed head that articulates directly against your natural socket. It is a simple, well-proven design.

A bipolar implant features a smaller inner head housed within a larger outer cup. Movement is shared between two surfaces, which can reduce the load transmitted directly to the cartilage of your socket.

Dr Slattery will discuss which design suits your bone quality, age and activity level.

What Happens During Surgery

Partial hip replacement surgery usually takes one to two hours and is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic. Dr Slattery removes the damaged femoral head, prepares the femoral canal, inserts the stem and fits the prosthetic head into your existing socket.

Where the fracture pattern and patient anatomy allow, Dr Slattery favours an anterior approach, making the incision at the front of the hip rather than behind it. This technique works between muscle planes rather than cutting through them, which can mean less soft tissue disruption, a lower dislocation risk and a faster early recovery. Dr Slattery trained in direct anterior hip surgery in both Switzerland and Australia.

Recovery After a Partial Hip Replacement

Most patients are helped to stand and take their first steps with a physiotherapist within a day of surgery. Early mobilisation is one of the most important factors in a good outcome.

• Hospital stay: commonly a few days, depending on your general health and home support
• Walking aids: a frame or crutches for several weeks, tapering as strength returns
• Household tasks: many patients manage basic activities at home within 6 to 8 weeks
• Full recovery: strength and confidence continue to improve for up to 6 months

Dr Slattery will refer you for rehabilitation and physiotherapy to rebuild the muscles around the hip and restore a safe, even walking pattern. You will have a post-operative review a few weeks after surgery, with further check-ups and imaging as needed.

Movement Precautions After Surgery

Your surgeon and physiotherapist will give you precautions specific to the surgical approach used. After a posterior approach, patients are typically asked to avoid crossing their legs, bending the hip beyond 90 degrees and twisting the operated leg inwards, all of which reduce the risk of dislocation in the early healing period. Anterior approach patients often have fewer restrictions. Always follow the instructions given to you directly by your treating team.

Book a Consultation with Dr David Slattery

Hip fractures usually present as emergencies and are managed urgently through hospital. If you have been referred for elective assessment, or you would like a second opinion on a recent hip injury, Dr Slattery consults at several Melbourne locations.

• Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists Fitzroy
• Knox Private Hospital
• Holmesglen Private Hospital
• John Fawkner Private Hospital

You can book a consultation online or call to arrange an appointment at the consulting location most convenient to you.