Hemi-Arthroplasty

Hemi-arthroplasty, also known as partial joint replacement, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing part of a joint, typically the ball (femoral head) of the hip or humeral head of the shoulder, with an artificial component, while preserving the other part of the joint (i.e., the socket). This procedure is commonly performed for patients who have severe arthritis, fractures, or degenerative conditions that affect a specific part of the joint but leave the other part of the joint relatively intact.

Hemi-arthroplasty is generally recommended for individuals who have damage to one side of the joint but not the other. For example, in the case of the hip joint, if the femoral head (ball) is severely damaged due to arthritis or fracture, but the acetabulum (socket) remains intact, hemi-arthroplasty can restore function and alleviate pain. Hemi-arthroplasty is commonly performed in the hip and shoulder joints, though it can be done in other joints as well.

The procedure involves removing the damaged part of the joint and replacing it with a prosthetic component. Unlike total joint replacement, where both the ball and socket are replaced, hemi-arthroplasty preserves the uninjured portion of the joint. This procedure can provide significant pain relief, restore function, and improve mobility, particularly for individuals who are not candidates for total joint replacement due to other health conditions or age.

Hemi-arthroplasty is typically indicated in patients who have joint damage that affects only one part of the joint. The most common causes and risk factors leading to the need for hemi-arthroplasty include:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, and loss of motion. In cases of hip osteoarthritis, the femoral head can become damaged, while the acetabulum remains relatively unaffected. Similarly, shoulder osteoarthritis can affect the humeral head without significant damage to the glenoid (socket). When one part of the joint becomes severely damaged, hemi-arthroplasty can be an effective option.

In older adults, hip fractures often occur due to osteoporosis or falls. A fracture in the femoral head may necessitate hemi-arthroplasty, especially when the bone is not suitable for fixation. In these cases, replacing the femoral head with a prosthesis can restore mobility and alleviate pain while preserving the acetabulum.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to joint destruction and deformities. RA can affect various joints, including the hip and shoulder, leading to partial damage. Hemi-arthroplasty may be performed if only one part of the joint is affected, while the other part remains intact.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition in which the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to bone death and collapse. In the hip joint, AVN typically affects the femoral head, causing pain and limiting motion. If the femoral head is severely damaged but the acetabulum is intact, hemi-arthroplasty can help restore function and alleviate pain.