For many pеoplе, hip revision rеplacеmеnt offers a life changing opportunity to rеgain mobility and frееdom from pain. Howеvеr, in some cases and thе initial hip revision rеplacеmеnt, may not last forеvеr and revision hip rеplacеmеnt surgery becomes nеcеssary. This procеdurе revises or replaces thе original artificial hip implant to address problems and rеstorе function. This guidе delves into hip revision rеplacеmеnt surgеry providing crucial information to navigate this journey. Hеrе, we’ll discuss thе reasons for hip revision rеplacеmеnt surgеry and thе typеs of procedures involved, finding a qualified hip rеvision surgеon and what to еxpеct during recovery.
Why Revision Hip Replacement Might Be Necessary
Several factors can contribute to the need for revision hip replacement surgery. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Loosening: Over time, the components of the artificial hip joint (the liner and the ball) can loosen from the surrounding bone. This loosening can cause pain, instability, and difficulty walking.
- Wear and Tear: Daily activities can wear down the artificial joint components, leading to pain and stiffness in the hip.
- Fracture: A fall or other injury can cause a fracture of the bone around the artificial hip.
- Infection: Although rare, an infection can develop around the implant, requiring removal and antibiotic treatment.
- Component Malfunction: In rare cases, the components might malfunction, causing problems.
Types Of Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
Depending on the seriousness of the issue, revision hip replacement surgery can have varying degrees of intricacy. Below is an explanation of the two primary kinds:
- Simple Revision: This process takes care of wear or loosening of the ball or liner component. The surgeon may preserve the remaining pieces by replacing only the worn part.
- Complex Revision: When bone loss, infection, or other issues occur, this operation entails more thorough restoration. The surgeon might need to employ bone grafts to repair every component and regenerate the bone surrounding the implant.
Finding A Qualified Hip Revision Surgeon
It is essential to select the best surgeon for a revision hip replacement. Here are some critical things to think about:
- Expertise: Seek a surgeon specializing in revision hip surgery with much expertise. A surgeon specializing in revision surgery will have the skills and expertise required to produce the most outstanding results because the procedure is more sophisticated than a primary hip replacement.
- Surgical Methods: Find out the success rates and favored surgical techniques of the surgeon. Less invasive techniques provide benefits, including quicker recovery.
- Facility Affiliation: Consider the facility’s orthopedic treatment and revision surgery track record. Seek out places with resources and personnel trained in complex joint replacements.
Who Needs Hip Revision Surgery?
After a hip revision replacement, most elderly patients have the prosthesis for 15 to 20 years and occasionally for life. However, some individuals can require one or more revisions of a hip replacement, especially if the patient decides to lead an extremely active physical lifestyle and the hip replacement was done at a young age.
Individuals undergoing revision surgery have more thorough preoperative studies than individuals undergoing primary surgery. To carefully assess the amount of bone loss surrounding a failed implant and to ascertain the location and fixation of replacement parts, it is frequently required to do sophisticated radiography (X-ray) projections, CT scans, MRIs, or EOS imaging of the hip. If the surgeon believes there may be an infection in the failed hip, more blood testing and a preoperative aspiration (fluid sample) may be required.
The Revision Hip Replacement Process
Generally speaking, revision surgery is more involved than the first revision hip replacement. This is a condensed synopsis of the procedure:
- Preoperative Evaluation: Besides performing a comprehensive examination, your doctor may prescribe imaging tests (CT scans, X-rays) and sometimes even blood tests to assess your general health and identify the source of the issue. These results will be used to create a customized surgical strategy.
- Surgery: Usually, revision surgery requires more time than the original procedure. The initial implant will be removed, and the surgeon will evaluate the soft tissues and surrounding bone. To increase bone quality and stability for the new implant, they might need to undergo bone grafting treatments, depending on the level of damage. Lastly, a fresh implant made especially for revision surgery will be inserted.
- Recovery: To start regaining strength and movement in your hip after surgery, you’ll probably need to stay in the hospital for a few days for pain medication and physical therapy. To assist you in regaining full function, physical therapy will be provided on an outpatient basis for a few weeks or months.
What Should I Keep In Mind When Considering Revision Hip Surgery?
The hip replacement may require one or more pieces to be removed or replaced during revision surgery. Little to no bone from the patient must be removed to swap out the pieces not linked to the bone correctly. Nonetheless, bone loss usually happens if the metallic components in touch with the bone must be replaced. Furthermore, a portion of the hip’s surrounding muscle will be removed, which will compromise the hip’s strength and the patient’s ability to function following surgery. Revision surgery outcomes are less predictable than those of the initial procedure. Problems occur more frequently.
Generally, a revision hip replacement is more complex than the original procedure. It is not comparable to or should not be thought of as “changing the tyres on a car.” The outcome of surgery and the updated hip replacement’s longevity may be less predicted than the first one—every revision operation results in a certain amount of bone or muscle loss. Compared to the initial surgery, the length of the procedure is usually more significant, and the chance of complications is higher.
Living A Fulfilling Life After Revision Surgery
Revision hip replacement surgery can significantly enhance your quality of life if you receive the proper treatment and apply yourself to rehabilitation. For the best recovery, adhere to your doctor’s post-operative instructions, attend all physical therapy appointments, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Hip revision replacement surgery should always be viewed as a journey rather than a goal. You may give your hip another chance and reclaim the mobility and independence you deserve by selecting a skilled surgeon, carefully adhering to rehabilitation guidelines, and keeping an optimistic outlook.
