How Often Do I Need to Have Hip Revision Surgery ?

When you have already had a hip replacement done, you might end up needing hip revision surgery at some point. This type of surgery is often more complicated than hip replacement, so it’s important to know as much about it as possible before deciding whether or not to have it. Learn more about hip revision surgery, including how often you might need it.

What Is Hip Revision Surgery?

This type of surgery involves replacing damaged or worn out hip replacement implants with new ones. These implants are built to last for several years, but they do wear out over time.

Reasons to Have Hip Revision Surgery

Your doctor might recommend hip revision surgery under certain conditions, such as the following:

Loose implant: When a hip replacement implant becomes loose over time, you might need to have it replaced with a new one. A loose implant can make your hip joint hurt and reduce stability.
Joint dislocation: In some cases, a hip replacement moves out of place or becomes dislocated. This can occur due to different reasons, such as the presence of scar tissue or muscle weakness.
Hip joint infections: Infections in a hip replacement are generally rare, especially when patients are given antibiotics as a preventative method. If an infection does occur, you might need hip revision surgery when it causes severe pain.
Severe joint problems: When problems with a hip replacement put you at risk of having fractures or other complications, your doctor might recommend hip revision surgery.

Hip Revision Surgery Process

When you have hip revision surgery, your surgeon will remove your hip replacement, which can be a complex procedure. Scar tissue, changes in bone quality and other factors can make this process more difficult. Once your hip replacement has been removed, your surgeon will replace it with a new one. This part of the process can also be more complex, especially as you get older.

Good Candidates for Hip Revision Surgery

Who makes suitable candidates for hip revision surgery? Patients who are experiencing any of the reasons that this surgery is done might be considered good candidates for it. Each patient must undergo a physical exam and other evaluations to determine if this surgery is suitable for their condition.

Benefits of Hip Revision Surgery

Having hip revision surgery done can help lower your risk of fractures and other injuries that can occur when you’re having hip replacement problems. Replacing your implant with a newer one can help ease pain and stiffness that can develop when you have a loose implant or other hip replacement problems.

Recovery from Hip Revision Surgery

The recovery process for hip revision surgery generally takes several weeks. You will have to restrict the activities you do at first until your hip has more time to heal. You can gradually do more challenging activities when your doctor says it’s ok to do so.

How Often to Have Hip Revision Surgery

Since this procedure is more complex than hip replacement surgery, this will depend on the condition of your hip replacement and other factors. In general, hip replacement implants can wear out after about 10 years or more than 30 years later. Your doctor will need to do imaging tests and other tests to determine how much damage or wear and tear your implant has. After going over the benefits and risks of this type of surgery, you and your doctor can decide if it’s a good option for you.

If you would like to learn more about hip revision surgery, please contact Specialty Orthopaedics to make an appointment.