Hemiarthroplasty vs Total Hip Replacement: Which Hip Surgery Is Right for You?

Dealing with hip problems—especially fractures or arthritis in older adults—can be challenging. Choosing the right type of hip replacement surgery is a big decision that shapes your recovery, future mobility, and overall quality of life. Two of the most common surgical choices are hemiarthroplasty and total hip replacement . In this article, we’ll break down each procedure, their pros and cons, what recovery looks like, and how to decide which option best fits your needs.

What Are Hemiarthroplasty and Total Hip Replacement?

First, let’s look at how the hip works. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint: the ball-shaped head at the top of your thigh bone (femoral head) fits into a cup-shaped socket in your pelvis (acetabulum).

Hemiarthroplasty replaces just the ball part of the joint—the femoral head—while leaving your natural hip socket intact. There are two main designs:

• Unipolar hemiarthroplasty: A single artificial ball replaces the femoral head.
• Bipolar hemiarthroplasty: A design where an inner metal ball moves within an outer shell, aiming to reduce wear on your natural socket.

In comparison, a total hip replacement swaps out both the ball and the socket for artificial parts, fully reconstructing the joint.

Because hemiarthroplasty only replaces the ball, the surgery is usually shorter and less invasive. Total hip replacement is more complex, as both sides of the joint are involved, leading to a longer operation and recovery. Studies measuring outcomes such as the Harris Hip Score—a standard tool for assessing hip function—often show total hip replacement provides slightly higher scores than hemiarthroplasty overall.

Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

Each surgery type comes with its benefits and trade-offs.

Total hip replacement generally delivers better pain relief, smoother movement, and improved long-term function. It’s often recommended for people who are active and want to maintain mobility for many years. However, because this surgery is more extensive, there’s a slightly higher risk of complications like joint dislocation or infection, and post-operative recovery is more demanding.

Hemiarthroplasty is typically quicker, with a smaller incision, shorter anesthesia time, and less blood loss. It’s often favored for older patients or those with significant medical problems, as it’s safer and easier to tolerate. Recovery tends to be faster and the risk of dislocation is lower. On the downside, because your natural socket isn’t replaced, it can wear down over time, which may eventually require another surgery. Bipolar implants help reduce this risk compared to unipolar implants, but don’t eliminate it completely.

Hip surgeons often recommend total hip replacement for healthier, active patients who want the best long-term results, while hemiarthroplasty is usually suggested for frailer or less active individuals where a simpler, shorter surgery is safer.

What to Expect After Surgery: Recovery and Results

Your recovery journey depends on which procedure you have and your overall health.

After a total hip replacement, recovery is more gradual and structured. Physical therapy is key to regaining strength and flexibility, and it may take a few months before you feel “back to normal.” The extra investment in time and effort often pays off—most patients experience lasting pain relief and improved function.

With hemiarthroplasty, you can usually get moving sooner and start bearing weight on your leg earlier. Many patients walk with assistance within a few days. While early mobility and smoother recovery are big pluses, long-term outcomes—especially for active people—may not be quite as robust as with total hip replacement.

Whichever surgery you choose, expect to spend time managing pain, gradually building up your activity, and working with your care team to get back on your feet. Knowing what each step will look like can help you prepare and stay motivated during your rehabilitation.

Which Surgery Is Right for You? Key Considerations

Making the choice between hemiarthroplasty and total hip replacement is personal and depends on several important factors.

• Total hip replacement is typically recommended for healthy, active adults who can handle a longer operation and extended rehabilitation. It’s the preferred option for those hoping for the best long-term hip function and durability.
• Hemiarthroplasty is usually advised for older adults, people with other major medical conditions, or those who may not be as active. The simpler surgery and quicker recovery can be safer for these patients.

Other things to consider include the condition of your bone, your lifestyle, your risk for surgical complications, and your personal priorities. Your medical team will discuss these factors with you to help weigh the benefits and risks of each option and decide what matches your unique situation.

Final Thoughts

Both hemiarthroplasty and total hip replacement are valuable procedures for treating significant hip problems. Total hip replacement tends to offer more reliable pain relief and mobility, but requires a bigger surgery and longer recovery. Hemiarthroplasty offers a faster, simpler option—especially for those who may have difficulty with a more complex procedure.

The right choice is the one that fits your health, your goals, and your lifestyle. By talking candidly with your surgeon and healthcare team, you can make an informed decision and take your first steps toward reclaiming your mobility and quality of life.