Minimally Invasive Partial Hip Replacement in India

Who Should Avoid Partial Hip Replacement Surgery?

Several factors make patients unsuitable candidates for this procedure:

• Acetabular damage – When the hip socket shows arthritis or structural damage, total hip replacement becomes necessary

• Young age – Patients under 65 years receive total hip replacement due to higher activity levels and longer life expectancy.

• High activity demands – Athletes or manual laborers require the durability of total hip replacement

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Hip problems that require surgical intervention often show distinct symptoms that gradually worsen over time. What may begin as mild discomfort during physical activity can progress to persistent pain, eventually occurring even at rest.

The signs and symptoms that lead to the need for Partial Hip Replacement are:

• Groin pain – Deep aching in the groin area that worsens with movement and weight-bearing

• Limited mobility – Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from seated positions

• Leg shortening – The affected leg appears shorter due to bone displacement or collapse

• External rotation – The foot on the affected side turns outward when lying down

Diagnostic Process

The diagnostic process combines clinical examination with imaging studies to confirm the need for surgery. Doctors perform physical tests to assess pain levels, range of motion, and leg length differences. 

• X-rays – Initial imaging shows bone fractures, joint space narrowing, and bone deterioration patterns]

• CT scans – Detailed cross-sectional images help evaluate complex fractures and bone quality

• MRI scans – Magnetic resonance imaging detects early avascular necrosis and soft tissue damage

The Partial Hip Replacement Treatment Process

Pre-Surgical Preparation

Preparation helps make sure patients are medically stable and know what the procedure involves. Medical teams carry out evaluations to find and address any possible issues before surgery.

The pre-operative steps include:

• Medical clearance – Cardiac, pulmonary, and laboratory tests confirm fitness for surgery and anesthesia

• Medication review – Blood thinners and certain medications must be stopped before surgery to reduce bleeding risks

• Infection screening – Urine and blood cultures identify active infections that require treatment before surgery

• Anesthesia consultation – Anesthesiologists review medical history and explain anesthesia options

• Pre-operative education – Patients learn about post-operative restrictions, pain management, and rehabilitation expectations

Surgical Procedure

The surgery lasts 1 to 2 hours. The exact time depends on how complex the fracture is and on factors related to the patient. Surgeons make an incision over the hip joint to carefully expose the femoral head and neck area. 

• Bone preparation – The damaged femoral head is removed, and the femoral canal is prepared for implant insertion

• Implant sizing – Surgeons select an appropriate implant size based on patient anatomy and bone quality

• Implant insertion – The prosthetic femoral head is inserted into the prepared bone canal using cement or the press-fit technique

• Joint testing – Range of motion and stability are tested before closing the surgical site

• Wound closure – Muscles, fascia, and skin are closed in layers with sutures or staples
  

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Immediate post-operative care focuses on pain management and preventing complications during the hospital stay. Patients remain in recovery rooms for monitoring before transfer to regular hospital rooms.

• Pain control – Medications manage surgical pain through oral, intravenous, or regional anesthesia techniques.

• Blood clot prevention – Compression devices and blood-thinning medications reduce clot formation risks.

• Infection monitoring – Temperature, wound appearance, and laboratory values are tracked for infection signs.

• Early mobilization – Physical therapy begins within 24-48 hours to prevent complications and restore function.

• Rehabilitation and Recovery Timeline After Partial Hip Replacement

Rehabilitation and recovery progress through distinct phases with specific goals and timelines. Physical therapy starts in the hospital and continues through outpatient programs for several months.

Partial Hip Replacement Cost in India

The cost of a partial hip replacement in India varies based on several factors. These include the type of hospital, the city, the surgeon’s experience, and the quality of the implant. The total cost may cover the hospital stay, surgery fees, implant expenses, and basic post-operative care. However, physiotherapy and diagnostic services usually come with separate charges.

Note: Prices are indicative and may vary by location and insurance coverage

Potential Risks and Complications of Partial Hip Arthroplasty

Partial hip replacement has a reported success rate of up to 99% in India, based on data from high-volume surgical centres. However, all surgical procedures carries some risks, and this procedure includes both general surgical risks and procedure-specific complications. Awareness of these risks supports clinical decision-making regarding the procedure and postoperative care.

• Infection: Bacteria can enter the surgical site, causing superficial or deep infections around the implant. Most cases are treatable with antibiotics or minor procedures.

• Blood clots: Clots may form in the legs (DVT) or travel to the lungs (PE), even with preventive measures. Prompt treatment with blood thinners usually resolves the issue.

• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding can occur during or after surgery, sometimes requiring a blood transfusion. Severe cases may need additional surgical intervention.

• Anesthesia complications: Some patients experience breathing issues, allergic reactions, or changes in heart rhythm. These are closely monitored and managed by the anesthesia team.

• Dislocation: The artificial ball can slip out of the socket, especially in the early recovery phase. It may need manual repositioning or, rarely, revision surgery.

• Implant loosening or wear: Over time, the implant may become unstable or wear down the socket. This often leads to discomfort and reduced joint function.

• Leg length discrepancy: A slight difference in leg length may develop post-surgery. Shoe inserts or physiotherapy often help correct this imbalance.

• Nerve or bone injury: Nearby nerves or bones can be accidentally affected during surgery. This may result in numbness, weakness, or fracture, especially in weaker bones.

These complications are uncommon and treatable. Most patients recover well with regular follow-up and guided rehabilitation.

Living with a Partial Hip Replacement

Successful long-term outcomes require patients to adapt their lifestyle and follow medical recommendations. Most patients return to normal daily activities while avoiding high-impact or high-risk movements.

• Activity selection – Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are encouraged while avoiding high-impact sports

• Home safety – Removing fall hazards, installing grab bars, and using appropriate footwear reduces injury risks

• Movement restrictions – Avoiding extreme hip flexion, internal rotation, and adduction movements during early recovery

• Return to work – Office workers return within 6-8 weeks, while manual laborers require 3-4 months.

Partial Hip Replacement treatment provides an effective solution for patients with femoral head damage while preserving healthy bone tissue. The procedure provides excellent pain relief and functional improvement for appropriate candidates, particularly elderly patients with hip fractures. Partial Hip Replacement helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment options. Regular follow-up care and adherence to activity guidelines ensure optimal long-term outcomes and quality of life.

If you’re considering treatment options for hip injuries or fractures, speaking with an orthopaedic specialist through Pristyn Care can help you understand what may work best for your condition.