Partial hip replacement is similar to a total hip replacement. Your surgeon may recommend it if the socket area of your hip joint remains healthy, and only the ball-shaped femoral head at the top of the thigh bone is affected by injury or disease. During partial hip replacement surgery, the femoral ball of the hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial part that is attached to a long metal stem. This implant is inserted down into the thigh bone and embedded using a type of porous material. Over time, this allows the bone to naturally grow up around it.

Often used to repair hip fractures, partial hip replacement surgery is a good option when the hip socket is still functioning and healthy and a full hip replacement is not considered necessary. Partial hip replacement can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure which means only small incisions are necessary.

Is it right for me?

Not all patients are suitable for a partial hip replacement. The decision will always depend on many factors including the extent of the injury and the condition of the hip joint. Because of the nature of the procedure, a healthy hip socket is essential for it to be truly effective.  It is not recommended as a way to treat arthritis, as this is a degenerative disease that usually affects the entire hip joint. It can be beneficial for less active patients, as there is likely to be a reduced strain placed on the joint giving it greater longevity.

Partial hip replacement can also be a good surgical option for more high-risk patients as it involves less time on the operating table and therefore much less risk. Although it is a shorter surgery, it should not be seen as a less invasive alternative to a total hip replacement as the requirements are very different.

Familiarising yourself with your treatment program and understanding the recovery process are important steps to take on the pathway to surgery.

• Patient Journey - Hip Replacement