Partial hip replacement
Also called: hemiarthroplasty, half hip replacement
What it means
A partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) is surgery that replaces only the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint with a metal implant, leaving the natural socket in place.
It's a common way to treat certain hip fractures in older adults, so knowing how it differs from a full hip replacement helps you understand your recovery and future bone health.
A partial hip replacement, also called a hemiarthroplasty or half hip replacement, is an operation where surgeons remove the damaged ball (femoral head) at the top of the thigh bone and replace it with a metal or metal-and-plastic implant. Unlike a total hip replacement, the natural hip socket (acetabulum) is left untouched. This procedure is often chosen for certain types of hip fractures, especially femoral neck fractures in older adults, rather than for wear-and-tear arthritis.
The choice between a partial and a full hip replacement depends on things like the fracture pattern, the patient's age, activity level, and overall bone and joint health. A surgeon typically makes this decision based on what will give the best function and lowest complication risk for that specific person. Recovery usually involves early weight-bearing and walking with support, along with physical therapy to rebuild strength and balance.
Because hip fractures often happen in people with weaker bones, a hemiarthroplasty is frequently just one part of a bigger picture that includes looking at bone density, fall risk, and whether an underlying bone condition needs attention. Discussing rehabilitation, mobility aids, and any bone-protective treatment plans is something to work through with your care team, since these decisions are individualized and belong to your doctor.
A partial hip replacement swaps only the femoral head, leaving the natural socket in place after certain hip fractures.
Where this leads
WordWondering how this differs from replacing the whole joint? Hip replacement swaps both the ball and socket, often for severe arthritis.
Related words
A hip replacement is surgery to remove a damaged hip joint and replace it with an artificial implant, often done for…
A hip fracture is a break at the femoral neck, the narrow part of bone connecting the hip joint ball to the thigh…
The femoral neck is the angled part of bone joining your hip ball to your thigh bone shaft, and it's the most common…
The femoral head is the rounded, ball-shaped top of the thighbone (femur) that fits into the hip socket to form the…
Hip pinning is a surgery where metal screws or pins are placed through the skin and into the hip bone to hold a…
Fall risk is how likely you are to fall, and it matters because falling—not just weak bones—is the most common cause…
Education only, not medical advice. Decisions about tests, medications and treatment belong with your own doctor. OsteoStrong does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
