Understanding Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty: What You Need to Know
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a hip fracture or are considering treatment options, it’s important to understand the various surgical procedures available. One such option is bipolar hemiarthroplasty, a specialized type of hip surgery designed to address specific issues with the hip joint.
Hip Fractures
What is a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture typically occurs in the femoral neck, the narrow section of the thigh bone that is just below the ball of the hip joint. This area is crucial as it connects the ball of your hip joint to the main shaft of the femur. When a fracture happens here, it can disrupt the blood supply flowing to the hip joint, leading to significant pain and potential long-term damage. Conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy might not always be sufficient, making surgery a necessary option.
Causes of Hip Fractures:
Falls: Common in older adults, especially on hard surfaces.
Osteoporosis: Weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
Trauma: Accidents or injuries, such as car crashes.
Repetitive Stress: Certain high-impact sports or activities.
Symptoms of Hip Fractures:
Severe Hip Pain: Especially in the groin or outer thigh.
Inability to Move: Difficulty moving the leg or bearing weight.
Swelling and Bruising: Around the hip or thigh.
Shortened Leg: The affected leg may appear shorter and turned outward.
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Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat hip fractures, particularly when the head of the femur is damaged. The term "hemiarthroplasty" refers to replacing half of the hip joint with a prosthetic. In the case of bipolar hemiarthroplasty, the procedure involves replacing the damaged femoral head with a prosthetic component with a two-part design: an inner head and an outer cup. This design allows the head to swivel within the outer cup, which helps reduce wear and tear on the new joint.
This type of surgery benefits patients with arthritis in the remaining hip joint or who may have had previous fractures. The bipolar design provides greater stability and lowers the risk of complications, such as the prosthetic protruding into the acetabulum (the socket part of the hip joint).
What to Expect During Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty
During bipolar hemiarthroplasty, the damaged femoral head and neck are removed. A prosthetic ball is then implanted in its place, secured with either cement or acrylic bone cement. The goal of the surgery is to restore hip function and reduce pain. After the procedure, physical therapy is crucial to help you regain movement and strength in the joint.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
How long does it take to recover from a Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty?
Recovering from hip replacement surgery can be a long and challenging process, and there's no easy way through it. After any major surgery, the idea for most patients is complete relaxation and ongoing therapy until they are completely healed.
For added comfort, keep a pillow between your knees any time you are lying down. If you are lying on your back, the pillow should rest under the affected leg and on top of the other leg. This will help you turn onto your side without twisting at the hips.
Recovery from bipolar hemiarthroplasty involves several stages:
Immediate Post-Surgery
You will start physical therapy as soon as you are able, often the day after surgery. This therapy focuses on helping you move without dislocating your new hip joint and includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip.
Precautions
To avoid complications and ensure proper healing, you will need to follow these guidelines:
Avoid twisting movements at the hips.
Keep your shoulders, hips, knees, and feet aligned and facing forward.
Do not cross your affected leg over the midline of your body.
Use a pillow between your knees while lying down to prevent crossing your legs.
After a bipolar hemiarthroplasty, you will want to be very careful as you get in or out of bed or a car. Imagine a line that goes down the middle of your body, and make sure your leg does not cross it until you are fully healed.
Ongoing Care
You will want to make sure you continue with physical therapy and adhere to any additional precautions advised by your surgeon. Recovery can be gradual, but many patients achieve effective and lasting results from this surgery.
Bipolar hemiarthroplasty can be an effective solution for managing severe hip fractures, offering pain relief and improved joint function. If you’re considering this procedure or need more information, reach out to schedule with one of our specialists to discuss whether it’s the right option for your situation. Proper education about the surgery and recovery process can help you prepare for a smoother transition back to your daily activities.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
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