Partial or Total Hip Replacement: Which Do You Need?

Dr Henry Chan

Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr Nicholas Yeoh

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr Tang Zhi Hao

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Overview

Matching the Right Procedure to Your Hip Condition

FAQs About Choosing a Hip Replacement Procedure

Meet Our Doctors

Partial vs Total Hip Replacement: Which Is Right for You?

Woman holding her hip while experiencing hip pain

Hip replacement does not always mean replacing the entire hip joint. Depending on the cause and extent of the damage, your surgeon may recommend either a partial or total hip replacement.

The decision depends on several factors, including your diagnosis, which parts of the joint are affected, your age and your activity level. In this article, we explain how partial and total hip replacement differ and what determines which procedure may be more suitable for you.

Key Takeaways

Partial hip replacement replaces the femoral head while preserving the natural hip socket
Total hip replacement replaces both the femoral head and the damaged socket surface
Your diagnosis and the extent of joint damage are key factors in determining the procedure
Your age, overall health and activity level can also influence the treatment recommendation

How Do Partial and Total Hip Replacement Differ?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball, known as the femoral head, sits at the top of the thigh bone and moves within a socket in the pelvis called the acetabulum.

The main difference between partial and total replacement is how much of this joint is replaced.

Partial Hip Replacement

A partial hip replacement, or hemiarthroplasty, replaces the femoral head with an artificial component while preserving the natural socket.

It is commonly considered for selected femoral neck fractures, particularly when the fracture is unlikely to heal reliably with other approaches and the natural hip socket remains relatively healthy. The decision also depends on factors such as the patient's general health, mobility and overall condition.

Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement replaces the femoral head and resurfaces the acetabulum with an artificial socket. It is recommended for conditions when disease or damage affects both sides of the joint, such as advanced osteoarthritis, particularly when pain and reduced mobility persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

Doctor using a human anatomy model during a consultation with a patient

What Factors Determine the Type of Hip Replacement?

There is no single factor that determines which procedure you should have. Your surgeon considers several aspects of your hip condition and your individual circumstances together.

Your Hip Diagnosis

Partial hip replacement is mainly used for certain hip fractures where the socket remains healthy. Total hip replacement is more commonly considered when conditions such as osteoarthritis cause damage across the joint.

The Extent of Joint Damage

Imaging helps show whether damage is limited to the femoral head or also affects the socket. If both sides of the joint are significantly damaged, total hip replacement may be more appropriate.

Your Age and Overall Health

Age alone does not determine which procedure is recommended. Your general health, bone quality and ability to undergo surgery may also influence whether a particular approach is suitable.

Your Activity and Mobility Levels

Your mobility before surgery and the activities you expect to return to are also considered. A more active, independently mobile patient may have different functional requirements from someone with limited mobility.

Guiding You Towards Recovery

Matching the Right Procedure to Your Hip Condition

The distinction between partial and total hip replacement is not simply about choosing a smaller or larger operation. It is about identifying which parts of the joint need treatment and selecting an approach that reflects your diagnosis, joint condition and functional needs.

Our Specialised Team

At HC Orthopaedic Surgery in Singapore, hip conditions are assessed and treated by hip specialists Dr Henry Chan and Dr Nicholas Yeoh. They are supported by a wider orthopaedic team that includes Dr Tang Zhi Hao. If you have been advised to consider hip replacement or are unsure which procedure may be appropriate for you, contact the clinic to arrange a consultation and discuss your treatment options today.

Your Questions Answered

FAQs About Choosing a Hip Replacement Procedure

Can a partial hip replacement be converted to a total replacement later?

Yes. If the natural socket develops significant wear, causing persistent pain or reduced function. However, conversion is not always necessary, and the decision depends on the patient's symptoms, imaging findings and overall condition.

Can a partial hip replacement wear down the natural socket?

Yes. Because the artificial femoral head moves against the natural socket, wear can develop over time. This is one reason the condition of the socket and the patient's expected activity are considered when planning surgery.

Can you walk again after partial or total hip replacement surgery?

Yes. Walking and mobilisation are important parts of recovery after either procedure. However, when you can begin walking and how much weight you can place on the operated hip depends on your surgery, health and your surgeon's instructions.