What is partial hip replacement surgery?
During partial hip replacement, your doctor replaces the ball of your hip joint, but not the socket. The artificial part is made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. This type of surgery is done to repair certain types of hip fractures.
Why is partial hip replacement surgery done?
A partial hip replacement surgery is most often done to repair certain types of hip fractures. It's an option when the socket of the hip joint is healthy.
How is partial hip replacement surgery done?
Partial hip replacement surgery is done through one or two cuts (incisions). The cuts are often on the side or toward the back (posterior) of your hip. You may have anesthesia to block pain and medicine to make you drowsy. Or you may get medicine to make you sleep. Your doctor will then:
- Remove the damaged bone tissue and cartilage from the hip joint.
- Replace the ball at the upper end of your thighbone (femur).
After partial hip replacement: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs that your hip may be dislocated, including:
- Severe pain and not being able to stand.
- A crooked leg that looks like your hip is out of position.
- Not being able to bend or straighten your leg.
- Your leg or foot turns cold or pale or changes color.
- You cannot feel or move your leg.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have loose stitches.
- Your incision comes open and begins to bleed, or the bleeding increases.
- You feel like your heart is racing or beating irregularly.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.
- You do not get better as expected.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated