Partial or Total Hip Replacement Surgery. Which is better course of treatment?

When deciding on a hip replacement surgery the first choice of a patient, if he must undergo a hip surgery is if it can be a partial one. This at least allows him or her to retain the natural joint component. However, when considering hip replacement surgery partial hip replacement surgery is not considered the best choice.

To understand this better let’s have a closer look at the hip joint. The Hip joint as we all have studied in our biology classes is a ball-and-socket synovial joint. The ball is the femoral head (as it is the head of the femur bone/thigh bone) and the acetabulum (of the pelvic bone). The two are held together by acetabular ligaments. While the hyaline cartilage covers the cavity in which the femoral head moves, providing much need lubrication and also acts as a shock absorber. Now that we know the components hip joint let’s see the difference between partial and total hip replacement surgery in Mumbai.

In Partial Hip replacement, we replace the femoral head with a new prosthetic femoral head. This new head then rotates inside the acetabulum of the pelvic bone. Since the Socket is not replaced the prosthetic head interacts with the hyaline cartilage. Which at times does not remain healthy as it moves with the prosthesis leading to the breakdown of cartilage leading to failure of the hip replacement and can result in severe pain.

Whereas, in the total hip replacement, as the name suggests the entire joint is replaced. We replace the femoral head with a new prosthetic femur head and the acetabulum is a prosthetic socket and the hyaline cartilage is replaced with a plastic, ceramic, or metal spacer that allows a smooth frictionless motion for the head.

Now the question arises is, which is a better option partial hip replacement or total. Both the procedures have their own advantages and disadvantages, but studies suggest that total hip replacement provides consistent results, lasts longer and provides better relief from hip pain.Nonetheless, partial hip replacement offers better stability and is less prone to dislocation.However, the success rates are inconsistent and highly depends on the patients’ medical condition. Partial hip is generally advised to patients who have suffered hip fracture and the patient does not show any symptoms of degenerative osteoarthritis of the hip.

On the other hand, Total hip replacement is generally a better treatment option for patients with arthritis or who have a more demanding day to day lifestyle like someone who does daily walks and exercises, drive etc. It offers much consistent outcome allows patients to lead a much better lifestyle with relatively few restrictions.

Having discussed partial and total hip replacement surgery. One must remember that the successful outcome of any joint replacement surgery depends on having the right orthopedic surgeon who has enough experience to suggest the best course of treatment. One cannot discount the fact that a highly experienced hip replacement surgeon would bring invaluable expertise in deciding on the right treatment approach and prosthesis for hip pain.

Over past 10 years, I have helped thousands of patients in Thane and Mumbai area. At Bone and joint care center, we offer the latest and most appropriate joint replacement treatment depending patients medical condition. To schedule an appointment with me or to get a second consult  go to http://boneandjointcare.co.in/ request-an-appointment/ or call me on: 09320620978