With each passing day, Chronic Joint Pain can turn even the simplest tasks into agonising challenges. The search for a breakthrough treatment has been a relentless pursuit, and finally, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon: Hemiarthroplasty. 

This innovative procedure has transformed lives and restored freedom to those who have long suffered from debilitating joint pain. No longer confined by the shackles of discomfort, individuals are reclaiming their independence and rediscovering the joy of pain-free movement.

Hemiarthroplasty, a remarkable surgical technique, offers optimism for individuals grappling with chronic joint pain. Replacing only one side of the joint provides relief while preserving the joint’s natural anatomy, ensuring optimal functionality and a quicker recovery. 

With its remarkable success rates and the ability to alleviate the pain that once seemed insurmountable, hemiarthroplasty has become a game-changer in orthopaedic medicine.

In this blog, we will unlock the doors to a pain-free future and uncover the marvels of hemiarthroplasty – the breakthrough treatment that has brought solace to countless lives!

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Hemiarthroplasty
2. Procedure Of Hemiarthroplasty
3. Complications Of Hemiarthroplasty 
4. Total Hip Arthroplasty Vs Hemiarthroplasty
5. Expert Advice
6. The Final Say
7. FAQs

What Is Hemiarthroplasty?

Hemiarthroplasty is a type of orthopaedic surgery that is most typically performed to repair a broken hip. Hemi means “half” in Greek, while arthroplasty means “joint replacement.” This surgery repairs some femoral neck fractures by removing and replacing the femoral head. The surgery is comparable to a complete hip replacement. 

However, only half of the hip is replaced. (Hemi refers to half, while arthroplasty refers to joint replacement.) Hemiarthroplasty replaces the hip joint’s ball component, not the socket. The socket is also replaced with a complete hip replacement.

Hemiarthroplasty is also commonly used with older, less active, and comorbid individuals who would not be ideal surgical candidates for complete arthroplasty because the treatment is faster and significantly less morbid than internal fixation.

Hip hemiarthroplasty may be appropriate for individuals who have a femoral neck fracture. Hemiarthroplasty is commonly used when a fracture develops around the hip joint. The blood flow to the head of the femur may be disturbed if the fracture is extremely near the hip joint. In certain situations, the fracture seems to have healed, but the femoral head crumbles away due to a lack of blood flow.

Hip hemiarthroplasty surgery is one of the most significant surgical achievements of the previous century. The surgery was initially established in 1960, and since then, substantial advancements have been made to increase total hip replacement performance.

Procedure Of Hemiarthroplasty

Preparing For Surgery

A hemiarthroplasty is usually performed promptly following a fall or other event that resulted in a hip fracture, so there is usually nothing you can do to prepare. The procedure necessitates at least a couple of days in the hospital. If at all feasible, you should have someone accompany you to the hospital and help you make plans for your stay and return home or to a step-down unit.

Procedure

A general anaesthetic may be given to you, putting you to sleep so that the procedure can be performed. You might also receive a localised anaesthetic like an epidural, which keeps your legs numb but leaves you conscious. Your medical expert will talk with you about your treatment options.

The procedure begins with an incision on the thigh around the hip. Once the surgeon can view the joint, the femoral head is withdrawn from the acetabulum. The ball and socket are held in place by a ligament network, tendons, and muscles. The femoral head is also separated from the femur.

The interior of the femur is hollowed out, and a metal stem is tightly fitted inside. A metal prosthetic or artificial femoral head is attached to the stem. This might be connected to another head coated with polyethene (plastic). This is referred to as a bipolar prosthesis (head within a head). The wound is subsequently closed with stitches and bandaged.

Recovery

You will be given pain medicine shortly following your procedure. Make sure you only use them as directed. Physical rehabilitation should begin soon after the operation. This will begin while you are in the hospital and continue after you are discharged or transferred to a step-down facility.

You may get at-home therapy or visit a physical therapy clinic for follow-up sessions. Various factors, including your age and general fitness will determine your therapy length.

You may have to avoid or limit activities that require heavy lifting or a lot of climbing indefinitely. Your ability to run and participate in sports like tennis may also be hindered. On the other hand, low-impact exercise should be a part of your daily routine for overall wellness. Discuss with your doctor which activities you should and should not pursue in the next months and years.

Complications Of Hemiarthroplasty

A hemiarthroplasty, like any other procedure, has some hazards. Among them are the following:

1. Infection

The risks of getting an infection after hemiarthroplasty are roughly one per cent, but the repercussions are severe. Infections can spread to the remainder of the hip, necessitating further surgery.

Infections might arise immediately after surgery or years afterwards. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed before dental procedures or surgeries on your bladder or intestines to prevent a bacterial infection from spreading to your hip.

2. Blood Clot 

Any procedure on the legs or hips increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is the development of a blood clot in a leg vein. Blood flow to the leg can be impeded if the clot is sufficiently large.

A clot can potentially go to the lungs and cause major heart and lung issues (pulmonary embolism). One of the most effective ways to prevent deep vein thrombosis is to get up and move your legs as soon as possible following surgery.

3. Dislocation

A dislocation occurs when the ball falls out of the socket. It is most frequent shortly after a hemiarthroplasty while the joint’s connective tissue is still mending. Your doctor and physical therapist should go through methods to avoid a hip dislocation with you.

4. Loosening

A successful hemiarthroplasty should endure for at least 12 to 15 years. Unfortunately, the prosthetic hip may lose some attachment to the bone after that period or perhaps before. This is a painful condition that generally needs further surgery to correct.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Vs Hemiarthroplasty

The surgeon has numerous options for femoral neck fracture arthroplasty. The initial decision is whether to repair the fracture or conduct an arthroplasty. If arthroplasty is decided, the next question is what type of arthroplasty will be performed. 

The two basic forms are hemiarthroplasty (replacement of the femoral head and neck) and total hip arthroplasty (replacement of the femoral head and neck as well as the acetabular surface).

Hemiarthroplasty is a simpler procedure that produces excellent outcomes in less active seniors. Hemiarthroplasty is less expensive and has a reduced risk of dislocation than complete hip arthroplasty, but it can cause acetabular discomfort and erosion, necessitating revision surgery in the future.

Hemiarthroplasty is a simpler procedure that typically produces excellent outcomes in less active senior people. Hemiarthroplasty is less expensive and has a reduced risk of dislocation than complete hip arthroplasty, but it can cause acetabular discomfort and erosion, necessitating revision surgery in the future.

Total hip arthroplasty reported outcomes for femoral neck or bone fractures are improving. Therefore, total hip arthroplasty is becoming more popular for displaced femoral neck fractures, particularly in more active senior patients. 

Total hip arthroplasty is also recommended for individuals who have pre-existing osteoarthritis. Total hip arthroplasties for femoral neck fractures should only be performed by surgeons who are skilled in the technique.

Expert Advice

If you have a shattered hip or severe hip arthritis, a total hip replacement may be required to restore hip function. If the femoral head is shattered, but the acetabulum is intact, a hemiarthroplasty may be an option. 

The Final Say

Following a hemiarthroplasty, patients may experience brief bouts of discomfort or stiffness. Prolonged pain in your artificial hip should not be expected or tolerated. If the surgery goes well and there are no difficulties, you should be able to utilise your replacement hip for a long time. 

It is vital that you completely participate in physical therapy and attend all post-surgery exams.You may visit the orthopaedics department at Bansal Hospital Bhopal; we have the town’s best facilities and the most experienced doctors.

FAQs

1. How long is a Hemiarthroplasty surgery?

The average duration of the procedure was 67 minutes (23-194), with statistically significant differences between junior and senior surgeons.

2. Is Hemiarthroplasty painful?

Cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty is one of the most common operations performed for fractures of the neck or femur in elderly patients. However, with time and restoration of mobility, some patients may experience progressive pain in the groin.

3. How do you sleep after Hemiarthroplasty?

Sleep on a firm bed or mattress. Use a pillow(s) between your knees to avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. Change positions as you become uncomfortable.

About Bansal Hospital

Bansal Hospital is a multispeciality hospital and is one of the leading, reputable and reliable healthcare providers trusted by patients and their families across the region. It has all the major departments, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, urology, liver transplant, bone marrow transplantation, nephrology, gynaecology and more. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology and has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and medical staff who provide round-the-clock care to the patient.

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