Hip Revision Surgery

What is hip revision surgery?

Sometimes, a hip replacement can fail, in which case your surgeon may recommend hip revision surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the original prosthesis and replace it with new components. The surgery is effective in relieving hip pain, and improving mobility and function.

A hip replacement can fail for a number of reasons. In some cases, the artificial components that were cemented onto the bone can loosen, causing pain and discomfort. This loosening can occur as a result of high-impact physical activity, excessive weight or in cases where the bone has not grown onto the prosthetic materials properly.

It is also possible for an artificial hip to deteriorate as a result of wear and tear in cases where a patient had a hip replacement surgery at a relatively young age.

In cases of infection, a hip implant may loosen, causing instability and hip pain. Hip revision surgery is usually recommended.

How does it work?

During hip revision surgery, your surgeon will remove the old components, check for and treat infections or other issues, and carefully remove the old prosthesis or parts of it. He will then prepare the bone surface and replace the components with new pieces.

Your surgeon may opt for one of several techniques, depending on the reason for the procedure.

Some of these techniques include:

Debridement

This method is usually performed in cases of infection. During this procedure, your surgeon will clean out any bacteria in the hip, and replace some of the artificial components. Usually, the plastic components are replaced, while the metal pieces are kept in place.

Staged surgery

In this case, all of the artificial components are removed and replaced with a temporary spacer. Then, a second surgery is performed when the infection has been adequately treated.

What are the benefits?

The potential benefits of hip revision surgery include:

• Relief from pain
• Better function
• Improved stability
• Better quality of life