Hemiarthroplasty (Unipolar Prosthesis)

Overview

This surgery treats a damaged or diseased hip. It replaces the head of your femur with an implant. Your natural hip socket is not changed.

Preparation

To begin, you're put to sleep. The surgeon makes an incision to reach your hip joint. Then, the femur is separated from the socket.

Femur implant

The surgeon removes the head of the femur. The end of the femur is hollowed out. A long, narrow implant called a "stem" is placed into the femur. The top of the stem is fitted with a ball. The ball is placed into your socket, and the joint is tested. Finally, your incision is closed and bandaged.

End of procedure

After the surgery, you are watched in a recovery room as you wake up. Your surgeon will tell you when you can go home. Follow your surgeon's advice for a safe recovery.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.