Revision Total Hip Replacement

For most patients who get total hip replacement, the procedure is durable. A hip replacement is an implanted mechanical device made up of parts that are put together both before and during surgery and are most frequently referred to as "ball and sockets." Following surgery, a ball-and-socket prosthesis (implant) restores hip motion for the duration of its useful life.

The majority of elderly patients who receive a hip replacement retain the prosthesis for 15 to 20 years, and sometimes for life. However, some patients may need one or more revisions of a hip replacement, particularly if the initial hip replacement surgery is performed at a young age and the patient chooses to have a very active physical lifestyle.

Main Justifications for Hip Revision Surgery

The most prevalent justifications for revision are

• Hip replacements that repeatedly (repeatedly) dislocate
• Mechanical failure (implant breakage or loosening)
• Infection

Repeatedly Dislocating your hip

As was already noted, the structure of a hip replacement implant is similar to the native hip (a ball and socket). A hip replacement must always have the ball in the socket for it to work properly. The alignment and fit of the ball and socket, as well as the forces produced by the powerful muscles and ligaments surrounding the hip joint, are the two main factors that retain the ball inside the socket. A hip replacement is made with a wide range of motion in mind. Trauma or specific hip postures, however, may cause the hip ball to pop out of its socket. Hip dislocation is the medical term for this ailment.

Dislocations after a hip replacement are uncommon, especially in healthy patients who carefully adhere to the instructions provided by their doctor and physical therapist. But some people are more prone to this issue than others. This can apply to patients who had repeated hip procedures or who were elderly and infirm. It can also apply to patients who had a hip replacement following a hip fracture.

Hip dislocations are more likely to occur in people with artificial hips because the disrupted muscles and ligaments around the hip are caused by the displaced ball. Although numerous hip dislocations are uncommon, the orthopedic surgeon may advise revision surgery for individuals who have experienced several hip dislocations.

Revision surgery can effectively stop a new dislocation from occurring. To pinpoint the precise location and alignment of the various components of the replacement, the surgeon may require imaging examinations prior to the operation. During the modification, one or more parts could need to be fully replaced or reoriented.