When Hip Revision Surgery Is Necessary

If you’ve had hip replacement surgery, it’s important to understand that you might need a revision surgery in the future. Hip prosthetics usually don’t last a lifetime, especially if you were younger when you had hip replacement surgery. They can also fail prematurely, or patients can experience complications that merit replacing their existing hip implant. Revision surgery is more complex than the original surgery, though. Still, the good news is that the vast majority of hip replacement surgeries are successful. A 2017 study in The Lancet found that about 5% of patients require hip implant revision surgery within 10 years, and 15% of patients require revision surgery within 20 years.

Some of the most common reasons hip revision surgery is necessary include:

• Infection (responsible for 30 to 40% of all hip revisions)
• Implant wear or loosening, often from high body weight or disease such as osteoporosis
• Allergic reactions
• Recurring hip dislocations
• Implant failure
• Fractures surrounding the implant
• Poor surgical technique from the first hip revision

Benefits of Hip Revision Surgery

Revision surgery could help you lead a better quality of life with a pain-free hip. If you’ve had a previous hip replacement, it would benefit you to see an orthopedic surgeon if you’re experiencing hip pain even with a prosthetic hip. Many who undergo hip revision surgery find it improves their mobility, strength, and coordination, as well as improving the appearance of the leg and defective hip. Your orthopedist will run tests to determine whether hip prevision surgery is necessary, which may involve imaging studies, blood tests, or synovial fluid analysis.

What to Expect

Revision surgery is an inpatient operation that takes several hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The orthopedic surgeon will make an incision to remove and replace or reconstruct the hip replacement. During surgery, your doctor will check for signs of infection or damage from the previous implant. A new implant is inserted and the surgeon will test the motion of the new artificial hip. Recovery after surgery is similar to what you experienced after the first hip replacement, but your surgeon will give you special instructions customized to your situation.

Complications can occur from hip revision surgery more than the original hip replacement, and some people require more than one hip revision. By following your orthopedic surgeon’s orders, you can avoid possible complications, and make sure to mention if you notice any signs of implant failure to your doctor. You can prevent complications by avoiding strenuous physical activities, maintaining a healthy weight, taking medication as prescribed, and seeking medical attention if you develop sudden pain.

Contact Us at Fox Valley Orthopedics for Further Information About Hip Revision Surgery

Our orthopedic surgeons at Fox Valley Orthopedics include experts in joint replacement revision surgery. We are here to help you get back on your feet and enjoying life again. To schedule a consultation with us, please call (630) 584-1400 or reach out online today.