Why People Undergo Hip Revision Surgery: Understanding the Reasons

Hip revision surgery is a situation whereby a patient may need such a procedure at a later time than an initial hip replacement. Patients should see a hip revision surgeon if complications arise with their hip replacement or if it fails. This article discusses some of the reasons why people undertake such a process and how it may positively enhance their quality of living.

Understanding Hip Revision Surgery

Hip revision surgery refers to the surgical correction of a previous hip replacement. At times, things do not go as planned in the initial surgery or the artificial joint also known as the implant may start deteriorating sometime later. And, of course, this is where the hip revision surgeon comes in and fixes the problem.

Why Patients Need Hip Revision Surgery

Many reasons exist as to why patients have to undergo revision of the hip. Reasons to require this are important in counseling people into healthy choices.

1.Wear and tear on the hip implant

As time keeps coming, the materials used will eventually wear out and therefore cause aches and discomfort or become rigid in movements. Hip implants are made to be strong, but they are not forever. It would start to wear out after many years when utilized by very active people. That’s when it might be in need of a hip revision surgeon for the purpose of replacement or repair of the implant.

2.Loosening of the Implant

The implant may at times not hold up in the position required. It starts to loosen, which later on becomes very uncomfortable and sometimes painful. A loose hip joint creates instability of movement while walking, which may make this person find it hard to carry out day-to-day activities. If revision surgery is undertaken, then the loose implant may be corrected to restore better stability of the hip.

3.Infection of the Hip Joint

Infections can occur in tissue around the artificial hip. Although infections are not common, they can be fatal if not treated promptly. Once an infection occurs, your physicians may be forced to undertake the revision hip surgery to make an incision, remove the infected tissue, and replace the implant. This is done in an attempt to eliminate the infection and any associated complications.

4.Fracture around the hip implant

Fracture of the bone surrounding the implant around the hip or break also warrants or calls for a need to have revision surgery. A fractured or weakened bone may cause the malfunction of the implant. This gives rise to pain, inability to walk, or other complications. A hip revision surgeon will treat the fracture by repairing it and readjusting or replacing the implant, depending on what needs to be done.

5.Hip Dislocation

A dislocation happens when the artificial head of the hip joint moves out of the socket. In some cases, the accident can be severely agonizing, and reduced mobility is possible as well. In some cases, patients experience repetitive dislocation; if this happens, revision surgery is usually needed; the surgeon will fix the position of the implant so it will not dislocate again.

6.Metal sensitivity or allergic reaction

Some people would be sensitive to the metals used to manufacture their hip implants. This would lead for instance, to pain swelling, and discomfort in the joint holding it. In extreme cases, there would be an allergic reaction. The patient may have to see his revision surgeon if any of the symptoms mentioned above occur. Replace the implant with another material.

7.Osteolysis or bone loss

Bone loss is another condition that will make one require hip revision surgery. The particles that are released by the implant in due course might cause the body to react and start breaking some bone structure surrounding the implant. This would weaken the bones and cause the implant to loosen within them. Revision surgery can help the bones grow and stabilize the joint.

How is this Hip Revision Surgery Performed

Hip revision surgery is more complex than the standard hip replacement. First, the hip revision surgeon removes the old implant along with the bone and tissue which is damaged. 

Rehabilitation After Hip Revision Surgery

Recovery in hip revision is mainly longer than the primary hip replacement. Following the surgical operation, the patient may have to undergo physical therapy to regain their strength and ability to walk properly. Therefore, the patient needs to take care and properly care for the new hip strictly as recommended by the doctor to avoid complications in the future.

Under post-operative care, some degree of discomfort, swelling, and stiffness in the patients is expected. All these symptoms improve gradually with time provided appropriate care is followed. 

Risks and Complications of Hip Revision Surgery

Just like any other surgery, hip revision has its risks. Some of them are as follows:

• Infection: Just like in the primary surgical procedure, infection may also occur in the revision surgery.
• Blood Clots: The patient will also suffer blood clots resulting from the surgery, which mainly occurs in the legs.
• Dislocation: The hip implant is also subjected to dislocation. This, however, is a phenomenon rarely encountered with this type of surgery.
• Nerve Injury: Some patients undergoing the surgery are likely to suffer from nerve injury surrounding the hip.

The risks and benefits that involved the surgery should be put into discussion with a hip revision surgeon before any decision is made on choosing the surgery.

Does Hip Revision Surgery Improve Quality of Life

Most of the hip revision patients lead better quality lives after the surgery. Generally, most of the patients notice reduced pain and improved mobility after the replacement of a damaged or worn-out implant. People suffering from problems caused by implants consider revision surgery to be relief from their sufferings and allow them to return to normal activities once again.

Conclusion

Hip revision surgery is one massive option a patient would have if problems occur with their initial hip replacement. Be it from normal wear and tear, infection, or dislocation, this is one surgery that will help the patient achieve comfort and movement. While the process of treatment is more complex than the usual hip replacement, many still see the worth as long-term comfort in the absence of pains due to discomfort.

For the patient, issues with hip replacement can be the first step toward an active and pain-free life with a talk with a total hip revision expert.