Hip Replacement vs Bipolar Hip Replacement: Which Is Right After a Fracture?

A hip fracture is one of the most serious injuries an older adult can experience. It affects mobility, independence and overall health, which is why choosing the right surgical treatment is crucial.

Two of the most common treatments are:

✔ Bipolar Hip Replacement

✔ Total Hip Replacement (THR)

But patients and families often ask:

“Which one is better?”

“What is the difference?”

“Which option gives faster recovery?”

This blog explains both procedures in simple language so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding Hip Fractures in Older Adults

Most hip fractures happen due to:

• Age-related bone weakening (osteoporosis)

• Slip-and-fall injuries

• Fragile bones in seniors

  
  

The fracture usually occurs at the neck of the femur, the ball part of the hip joint. This region has a poor blood supply, which makes natural healing extremely difficult.

That’s why replacement surgery becomes the safest and fastest way to help a patient stand and walk again.

What Is a Bipolar Hip Replacement?

A bipolar hip replacement is a procedure where only the ball of the hip joint is replaced.The natural socket is left intact.

It is most commonly used for senior patients with hip fractures.

How It Works

A new metallic ball with a smooth surface replaces the broken one. This artificial ball fits into a special mobile cup that allows dual movement, reducing friction and improving mobility.

Benefits of Bipolar Replacement

• Shorter surgery time

• Less blood loss

• Less strain on the body

• Faster recovery

• Best suited for elderly patients with limited activity needs

  
  

When Do Doctors Choose Bipolar Replacement?

• Older adults (65+ years)

• Patients with lower activity levels

• Fragile bones / osteoporosis

• When the socket is healthy

• When fast recovery is the priority

Bipolar replacement is often the safest choice for patients who must stand and walk within 24–48 hours.

🔴 What Is a Total Hip Replacement (THR)?

In a total hip replacement, both:

✔ The ball and

✔ The socket

are replaced with implants.

This is usually chosen when the patient is younger, more active, or has damage in both parts of the joint.

How Total Hip Replacement Works

The surgeon:

1. Removes the damaged femoral head (ball)

2. Removes the worn-out socket (acetabulum)

3. Replaces both with smooth, durable implants

4. Aligns them to allow frictionless movement

Modern robotic-assisted techniques used by surgeons like Dr. Hitesh Kubadia ensure perfect positioning of these implants.

When Is Total Hip Replacement Recommended?

• Younger patients (40–70 years)

• Active lifestyle

• Arthritis + fracture combination

• Socket damage

• Need for long-term high mobility

• Avascular necrosis (AVN)

  
  

Bipolar vs Total Hip Replacement: Key Differences

Here’s the comparison patients always want:

1. Mobility

Bipolar Replacement: Good mobility for daily activities like walking and climbing small steps.

Total Hip Replacement: Better mobility for active lifestyles, longer steps, and more demanding movements.

2. Surgery Time

Bipolar: Shorter

Total: Longer, more detailed procedure

3. Recovery Time

Bipolar: Fastest – patients usually walk in 1–2 days

Total: Slightly slower due to more work inside the joint

4. Longevity

Bipolar: Ideal for elderly or low-demand patients

Total: Longer-lasting for young, active patients

5. Stability

Bipolar: Very stable for routine daily use

Total: More stable for lifestyle & long-term movement

Which Surgery Is Better After a Hip Fracture?

If the patient is elderly (65+):

➡ Bipolar hip replacement is usually preferred.Why?

• Fewer complications

• Less stress on the body

• Faster standing and walking

• Lower risk during surgery

If the patient is younger or active:

➡ Total hip replacement provides the best long-term function.

🔁 Recovery Timeline After Each Surgery

Bipolar Hip Replacement Recovery

• Walk with support: Day 1–2

• Climb steps: Week 2

• Independence: 3–4 weeks

• Full mobility: 6–8 weeks

Total Hip Replacement Recovery

• Walk with support: Day 1–2

• Climb steps: Week 3–4

• Independence: 4–6 weeks

• Full recovery: 8–12 weeks

  
  

🩺 Factors Your Surgeon Considers Before Choosing Surgery

• Bone quality

• Age

• Mobility levels

• Type of fracture

• Joint damage extent

• Medical conditions

• Fall history

• Socket condition

The decision is highly individual, which is why picking an experienced hip surgeon is crucial.

Why Minimally Invasive + Robotic Techniques Matter

Robotic and muscle-sparing approaches:

✔ Reduce blood loss

✔ Shorten surgery time

✔ Improve implant accuracy

✔ Reduce pain

✔ Speed up walking

✔ Lower dislocation risk

✔ Improve long-term comfort

Dr. Kubadia specializes in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements, offering next-gen accuracy and patient outcomes.

Why Choose Dr. Hitesh Kubadia for Hip Fracture Surgery?

• 22+ years of orthopaedic experience

• Specialist in hip trauma & replacements

• Minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques

• Fast, comfortable recovery for seniors

• Expertise in bipolar + total hip replacements

• Personalised rehabilitation plans

• High success rate with elderly fracture patients

Your mobility and safety are the priority at HKS Clinic.

📞 Book Your Consultation

👉 WhatsApp: +91 98212 57676

👉 Visit: https://www.hksclinic.com/contact-dr-hitesh-kubadia

FAQ SECTION

1. Which is safer? bipolar or total hip replacement?

Both are safe. Bipolar is preferred for elderly patients as it’s shorter and less stressful. THR is safer for younger, active adults needing long-term mobility.

2. Which option has faster recovery?

Bipolar hip replacement typically allows earlier walking and faster recovery.

3. Does total hip replacement last longer?

Yes. THR offers longer implant life and better long-term function.

4. Can an elderly patient undergo total hip replacement?

Yes, if their socket is damaged or they are active. But most seniors do well with bipolar replacement.