Relieving Hip Pain with Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

About Dr. Herrick Siegel

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Herrick Siegel is highly regarded for his skill in joint replacement and complex orthopedic surgery. He serves the Birmingham, AL community as a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UAB and through his private practice, Siegel Orthopaedics. Dr. Siegel strives to help patients regain active lifestyles by expertly performing procedures like partial hip replacements.

When Partial Hip Replacement is Recommended

Partial hip replacement, also called hemiarthroplasty, only replaces the femoral head or “ball” portion of the joint. The socket is left intact. This surgery may be an option when:

• Only the ball of the hip joint needs replacement due to damage or fracture
• The hip socket still has healthy cartilage

Partial hip replacement is most commonly performed for femoral neck fractures. This type of hip break occurs at the narrow section connecting the ball and shaft of the thighbone.

For relatively inactive, medically frail patients with a femoral neck fracture, a partial hip replacement is often preferable over total joint replacement. The less complex surgery better accommodates their health status.

What to Expect During Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Dr. Siegel performs partial hip replacements at surgical facilities in the Birmingham area. The procedure takes 1-2 hours and involves:

• Administering anesthesia to prevent pain, either locally or fully sedated
• Making an incision near the hip to access the joint
• Removing the femoral head and cutting the femoral neck
• Hollowed out the femoral canal and inserting the stem implant
• Attaching a smooth metal or ceramic ball to the stem
• Closing the incision and repairing the tissues

Recovering After Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Patients begin walking with support soon after surgery and go home within 2-3 days typically. Dr. Siegel provides detailed instructions for wound care, pain management, and more during the recovery period.

Dedication to physical therapy is vital for rebuilding strength and mobility. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, patients perform hip flexibility, muscle strengthening, and low-impact endurance exercises. Most patients can resume normal daily activities after several weeks of rehabilitation.

Why Choose Dr. Siegel for Partial Hip Replacement

Dr. Herrick Siegel’s extensive experience and patient-focused care make him a trusted choice for partial hip replacement. Benefits of selecting him include:

• Performed over 15,000 successful joint replacement surgeries
• Specializes in complex reconstructions and achieves optimal outcomes
• Selects the best surgical techniques personalized to the patient
• Ensures smooth rehabilitation and recovery
• Provides compassionate, attentive care

With his proven expertise and dedication to his patients, Dr. Siegel is committed to helping them regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Considering Partial Hip Replacement?

If you are experiencing hip pain and problems with mobility, partial hip replacement may be an option depending on your specific condition. To determine if it is right for you, schedule a consultation with Birmingham’s premier joint replacement specialist, Dr. Herrick Siegel, by calling 205-939-3699. Discover how his experienced, thoughtful guidance and surgical skills can get you back to an active lifestyle.