Revision hip surgery is the removal of artificial implants so that newer, appropriate implants can be substituted.
What is it?
Revision hip surgery, also referred to as arthroplasty, is the removal of hip prosthetics or previous implants to accommodate new prosthetics and implants. This procedure alleviates pain, improves the patient’s mobility and removes loose or broken prosthesis that can be harmful to the patient’s health. A revision surgery may also be required in the case of an infection, which weakens ligaments and tissue comprising the hip joint.
What should I do to prepare?
Before receiving surgery, the patient should consult with a physician or surgeon to determine if this surgery is the proper course of action. X-rays and other diagnostic imaging techniques are used to develop a treatment plan. Medication plans and fasting routines may be necessary depending on the surgeon’s guidelines. Revision hip surgery is typically an inpatient procedure, so the patient should expect to remain at the hospital for post-surgical evaluation. Additionally, the patient should arrange travel accommodations in advance.
What happens during the process?
Hip revision surgery techniques are highly variable, based on the specific needs and complications that different patients experience with their hip prostheses. The first step is the removal of the old prosthesis, typically the device attached to the acetabulum, or the hip socket. The socket is then cleaned and prepared to accommodate new devices. Bone grafts or osteotomies may be used to reconstruct the new hip joint or to connect an artificial implant to the joint.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Risks for hip revision surgery are relatively rare. Risks that accompany surgical procedures include but are not limited to improper anesthesia, infections, nerve damage, excessive bleeding, an inability of the wound to heal, and bone fractures. There is also the risk that the artificial joints are not implemented properly.
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