Partial hip replacement, also called hip hemiarthroplasty, is an operation in which only the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant, while the natural socket is kept. It is used mainly for certain hip fractures, especially in older adults, so that the patient can stand and walk again as early as possible.
PMG Hospital (PMG Orthopedic Hospital), Gota, is an orthopedic hospital for partial hip replacement in Ahmedabad. This page explains when partial hip replacement is needed, how it differs from total hip replacement, the procedure, recovery, risks and cost factors.
What Is Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In a partial hip replacement, the broken or damaged ball is removed and replaced with a metal stem fixed into the thigh bone (femur), topped with an artificial ball. The natural socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis is not replaced; the new ball moves inside it. This is why the operation is called "partial".
| Type | Design | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Unipolar hemiarthroplasty | A single artificial head | Simpler design |
| Bipolar hemiarthroplasty | A head with an extra inner bearing that allows movement inside the head | Designed to reduce wear on the natural socket; studies have not shown a clear difference in function compared with unipolar implants for most patients |
When Is Partial Hip Replacement Needed?
Partial hip replacement is most often used for a displaced femoral neck fracture - a break just below the ball of the hip in which the broken ends have moved apart. In these fractures the blood supply to the ball is often damaged, so the bone may not heal well if it is fixed with screws. Other types of hip fracture are treated differently: an undisplaced femoral neck fracture may be fixed with screws, and fractures lower down (intertrochanteric fractures) are usually fixed with a nail or plate.
A partial hip replacement doctor in Ahmedabad - an orthopaedic surgeon - assesses the fracture type, the socket and the patient's health before advising surgery.
- A displaced femoral neck fracture
- A healthy socket, without significant arthritis
- Older or less active patients, for whom a shorter operation is often suitable
A total hip replacement may be advised instead for fit patients who were walking independently before the fracture and have no significant memory problems, and for patients with arthritis in the socket.
Related pages: Hip trauma surgery·Total hip replacement
Timing of Surgery
Surgery for a hip fracture is usually advised as early as possible - ideally on the day of admission or the next day - once the patient is medically fit. Pain relief, fluids, and correction of medical problems such as low blood count, dehydration or uncontrolled blood sugar are started on arrival.
Partial vs Total Hip Replacement
| Feature | Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) | Total hip replacement |
|---|---|---|
| What is replaced | Only the ball; the natural socket is kept | Both the ball and the socket |
| Usually suitable for | Displaced femoral neck fractures in older or less active patients with a healthy socket | Arthritis, a damaged socket, and fit, active patients with some hip fractures |
| Operation | Shorter | Longer |
| Later problems | The natural socket can wear over time and cause pain | The plastic or ceramic liner can wear over time |
These are general comparisons; individual results vary. A partial hip replacement treatment hospital should also be able to perform a total hip replacement, so that the operation can be chosen according to the patient.
Partial Hip Replacement Surgery in Ahmedabad: Step by Step
The main steps are similar in any partial hip replacement surgery hospital in Ahmedabad:
- 1Anaesthesia: usually spinal anaesthesia (numbing the lower body), often with a nerve block for pain relief; general anaesthesia is used in some patients
- 2Approach: the hip is reached through a cut at the side or back of the hip
- 3Removing the broken ball: the fractured femoral head is removed and its size is measured
- 4Fitting the implant: a stem is fixed into the thigh bone, commonly with bone cement in older patients, and a unipolar or bipolar head of the matching size is attached
- 5Checking: the new ball is placed in the natural socket and checked for stability and leg length
- 6Closure: the muscles and skin are closed and dressed
The operation usually takes about one to two hours, depending on the case.
Recovery After Partial Hip Replacement
For an older patient after a hip fracture, getting up early is important, because lying in bed raises the risk of chest infection, blood clots, pressure sores and loss of strength.
| Time | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Standing and first steps with a walker and the physiotherapist |
| First week | Walking with a walker; discharge when safe |
| Weeks 2–6 | Physiotherapy at home or as an outpatient; increasing independence |
| 6–12 weeks | Return towards the level of activity before the fracture, depending on fitness |
| Several months | Further improvement, depending on age and general health |
Recovery depends strongly on how well the person was walking and how healthy they were before the fracture. Hip precautions may be advised for the first several weeks, depending on the surgical approach.
Bone Health and Preventing Falls
- Tests for osteoporosis (weak bones) and treatment when needed, to lower the risk of another fracture
- Checking eyesight, medicines that cause dizziness, and home safety
- Exercises to improve strength and balance
Risks and Possible Complications
A hip fracture is a serious injury, especially in older people, and surgery also carries risks. The surgeon explains these risks before taking consent, whenever the patient's condition allows.
- Infection of the wound or around the implant
- Blood clots in the leg veins or lungs
- Dislocation of the new hip
- Wear of the natural socket over time, causing groin pain, which may need conversion to a total hip replacement
- Fracture of the bone around the implant
- Difference in leg length
- Confusion (delirium), chest infection, urinary infection and pressure sores, especially in older patients
- Reactions during cementing (bone cement implantation syndrome), such as a drop in blood pressure or oxygen level; severe reactions are uncommon but can be serious in frail patients
- Anaesthesia-related and general medical risks, such as heart, lung or kidney problems
- Risk to life, which is higher in frail older patients with other illnesses
Partial Hip Replacement Surgery Hospital in Ahmedabad
Before choosing a partial hip replacement hospital in Ahmedabad, check that the treating surgeon is a qualified orthopaedic surgeon with valid medical council registration, that the hospital regularly performs this operation, how infection is prevented, which implants and tests are available, what physiotherapy and follow-up are provided, and what the written estimate includes. For hip fractures, you can also ask how quickly surgery can usually be arranged and how other medical conditions are managed before and after surgery.
Partial Hip Replacement Surgery Cost in Ahmedabad
- The implant chosen (unipolar or bipolar; cemented or uncemented)
- Length of hospital stay and room category
- Other medical conditions and any intensive care needed
- Physiotherapy and follow-up
A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Insurance
- Medically necessary hip replacement is generally covered under health insurance policies, subject to policy terms, waiting periods and insurer approval
- Some policies have limits on room rent or implant costs; check these with your insurer before surgery
- Ask the hospital whether cashless treatment is available with your insurer, and which documents are needed
Partial Hip Replacement Doctor in Ahmedabad
Partial hip replacement is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon. Because most patients are older adults with a hip fracture, several doctors usually work together so that surgery can be done early and safely:
| Doctor or therapist | Role in partial hip replacement care |
|---|---|
| Emergency doctor | First assessment after the fall, pain relief, X-rays and checks for other injuries |
| Orthopaedic surgeon | Confirms the fracture type, chooses between fixation, partial or total hip replacement, and performs the operation |
| Physician | Checks and corrects heart, lung, kidney, blood sugar and blood count problems before and after surgery |
| Anaesthetist | Plans spinal or general anaesthesia and a nerve block for pain relief, and monitors the patient during cementing |
| Physiotherapist | Helps the patient stand and walk within a day or two, and guides exercises at home |
| Doctor treating osteoporosis | Assesses bone strength and advises treatment to lower the risk of another fracture |
Partial Hip Replacement Surgery Doctor in Ahmedabad
Decisions after a hip fracture are often made quickly, and usually by the family together with the patient. It is reasonable to ask your partial hip replacement surgery doctor in Ahmedabad:
- What type of hip fracture is it, and why is replacement advised rather than fixing it with screws?
- Which medical problems need to be corrected before surgery, and how long might that take?
- Will the implant be cemented, and what precautions are taken during cementing?
- Which anaesthesia and pain relief will be used?
- Are hip precautions needed after surgery, and for how long?
- How will confusion, chest infection and pressure sores be prevented after surgery?
- What help and equipment, such as a walker or a raised toilet seat, will be needed at home?
- Will bone strength be checked, and is treatment needed to prevent another fracture?
Partial Hip Replacement Treatment Hospital in Ahmedabad
Most partial hip replacements are done for hip fractures in older adults, so the hospital needs to support early surgery, close medical care and early walking. These are the facilities that matter most:
| Facility | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 24×7 emergency care, X-ray and laboratory tests | Allow the fracture and the patient's health to be assessed quickly after a fall |
| Operation theatre suitable for joint replacement, with strict infection control | Infection around an implant is a serious complication |
| Anaesthesia services and blood transfusion support | Needed for safe surgery in older patients |
| Physician support and access to intensive care for high-risk patients | Heart, lung, kidney and blood sugar problems are common in this age group |
| Physiotherapy service | Standing and walking within a day or two lowers the risk of complications from lying in bed |
The facilities available at PMG Hospital are listed further below on this page.
Treating Surgeon
At PMG Hospital, partial hip replacement is performed by:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Hiren Patel |
| Qualification | MS (Ortho), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Specialty | Orthopaedics |
| Designation | Director & Head Joint Replacement Surgeon, PMG Hospital |
| Registration status | Registered Medical Practitioner |
| Registration number | Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-20583 |
| OPD availability | Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Facilities at PMG Hospital
- Orthopaedic OPD, Monday to Saturday
- Emergency and trauma care, 24×7
- Orthopaedic physiotherapy centre
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor after a fall with hip pain?
Immediately. Hip or groin pain after a fall, inability to stand or walk, or a leg that looks shorter or turned outward may mean a hip fracture and needs emergency care. Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency facility.
What is partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty)?
Partial hip replacement replaces only the ball (femoral head) of the hip with an artificial implant, while the natural socket (acetabulum) is kept. It is used mainly for certain hip fractures in which the socket is healthy.
When is partial hip replacement recommended?
It is most often recommended for a displaced femoral neck fracture, a break just below the ball of the hip in which the blood supply to the ball is often damaged, so the bone may not heal well if it is fixed with screws. It is commonly used in older or less active patients whose socket is healthy.
Partial or total hip replacement - which is right for me?
A partial hip replacement is often used for older or less active patients with a hip fracture and a healthy socket. A total hip replacement may be advised for fit patients who were walking independently before the fracture and have no significant memory problems, and for those with arthritis in the socket. The surgeon decides after assessment.
What is the difference between unipolar and bipolar hemiarthroplasty?
Both replace the ball of the hip. A unipolar implant has a single head, while a bipolar implant has an extra inner bearing that allows movement inside the head. Studies have not shown a clear difference in function between the two for most patients; the surgeon chooses according to the patient's needs and the implant system.
How soon after a hip fracture should surgery be done?
Surgery is usually advised as early as possible, ideally on the day of admission or the next day, once the patient is medically fit. Early surgery allows earlier walking and helps to reduce complications from being in bed.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients start standing and walking with support within a day or two of surgery. Recovery then continues over weeks to months with physiotherapy, and depends strongly on the person's health and mobility before the fracture.
What facilities should a hospital have for hip fracture surgery?
It should have emergency services, an operation theatre suitable for joint replacement, anaesthesia services, X-ray, laboratory tests, blood transfusion support, physiotherapy, access to intensive care for high-risk patients, and support from physicians for patients with other medical conditions.
What decides the cost of partial hip replacement?
The cost depends on the implant (unipolar or bipolar, cemented or uncemented), the length of hospital stay, room category, other medical conditions, any intensive care, and physiotherapy. A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Contact and Location
PMG Hospital
3rd Floor, Athena Avenue, B/H Jaguar Showroom, Nr. Eulogia Inn Hotel, Gota, Ahmedabad, India
- Phone / WhatsApp:
- +91 96627 70141
- OPD:
- Mon – Sat · 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Emergency and trauma care:
- 24×7