subject: When To Have A Hip Revision Surgery [print this page] Prosthetic hip implants do not last forever, and many show signs of loosening after 10-15 years. Patients whose prosthesis wears out will require a revision hip replacement surgery. Hip revision surgery is performed to repair a worn out or loosened artificial hip implant. Patients who manifested post-operative complications might be subjected to this kind of surgery. Patients who received the DePuy ASR hip might undergo hip revision surgery after a voluntary recall on the device was issued. Because of the recall, DePuy hired a third party to handle the patients who are for hip recall.
In hip revision surgery, the damaged prosthesis is removed and replaced with a new hip implant or in other cases, a bone graft. The artificial hip implant is revised mainly to alleviate the pain brought about by the loosening of the hip device from the bone. Other less common indications for the procedure include fracture of the hip, presence of infection, or dislocation of the prosthesis. More common than not, the procedure is for alleviation from pain on the affected hip, removal of a loosened of damaged prosthesis before permanent harm is done and restoration of normal body functions and activities.
Revision of hip replacement is generally more complex than the initial hip replacement and usually lasts longer. The quality of the bone and the ability to adequately secure the new hip replacement will be a problem during the procedure. In some cases, series of surgeries may be required especially when the affected joint is highly infected. The period for recovery after a revision of hip replacement is commonly longer than the first hip replacement.
With the all the risks of hip revision surgery, careful planning and evaluation is important. Preoperatively, patient will undergo certain tests and diagnostic exams to determine the extent of the damage and to decide on what prosthesis will be used. The surgeon will explain the need for multiple surgeries, in case the patient needs one.
Patients with hip implant problems and discomforts are normally advised to undergo hip revision surgery.It is an attempt to repair the hip and restore it to a condition where it can function normally. Before proceeding with hip replacement procedure, it will be helpful if you consult a health care professional and do research on the functionality and durability of the different hip devices.Defective hip devices may be a subject for recall, like the DePuy hip recall, and warrant an early revision of the hip surgery.
