For those who specialize in ortho...hip question

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

So I am totally confused and never know which case cart to call for. Can someone explain to me the difference between unipolar/bipolar, IHMS/Gamma?

[Argo]

The main difference for the circulator is the positions. Bipolar/unipolar will typically be lateral and replace the cup/acetabulum and/or femoral head. Gamma/imhs will be on a fracture table with the operative leg in traction while putting a nail down the shaft of the femur with a stay screw mid femur through the distal tip of the nail and a lag screw into the head of the femur with the pt keeping their femoral head and their own cup.

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

So is there a difference between bipolar/unipolar...or are they both referring to the same procedure?

So...If it's a badly displaced femoral neck fx, it will be bip/unipolar, and imhs for non-displaced?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

A unipolar head only has the ball. A bipolar head has the ball and then another layer on top of that, typically used in younger patients because it affords more mobility. Picture it like this: a unipolar head would be your fist, which would then go into the acetabulum. A bipolar head would be your fist with your other hand on top, then into the acetabulum. So there are more layers for movement.