Revision Hip Replacement
Although total hip replacement is a durable and successful procedure but it can be subject to various forms of mechanical or biological failure. This failure may need a re-operation of the hip replacement which is called a revision surgery.
A hip revision surgery involves the replacement of the worn out, loose, painful, infected or failed prosthesis with a new hip implant.
The goals of surgery are to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life.
Reasons for Hip Revision Surgery
A patient may need hip revision surgery due to the following reasons:
- Worn out prosthesis
- Bone loss around the prosthesis
- Loose prosthesis
- Unstable prosthesis with recurrent dislocation
- Infected prosthesis
- Repetitive dislocation of a hip replacement
- Mechanical failure
- Breakage of prosthesis
- If the initial hip replacement surgery is performed at a young age
Procedure of Hip Revision Surgery
Revision surgery is quite similar to a primary hip replacement but it is more complicated and challenging procedure that takes longer and is unique for every patient. The procedure may take two to four hours and a variety of techniques may be used in the procedure including:
- Removal or exchange of the old prosthesis
- Preparation of the bone for the new implant
- Bone grafting in areas of bone loss
- Implantation of the new prosthesis
Benefits of Hip Revision Surgery
- Eliminates or diminishes pain
- Improves joint function & mobility
- Increases strength and coordination of the torso and leg
- Improves the appearance of the hip and leg
- Incredibly improves the quality of life of the patient
- Improves the patients ability to walk and perform regular activities
- Prevents new dislocation of hip joint
Risks of hip revision surgery
Although revision surgery is a safe procedure, it may cause some complications like:
- Respiratory or cardiac malfunction due to anesthesia
- Infection
- Injury to nerves and blood vessels
- Fracture
- Weakness, stiffness or instability of the joint
- Joint pain