Revision Hip Replacement (RHP) is a treatment in which a surgical operation is done to replace the previously performed total hip replacement with artificial components of metals, ceramic, and plastic at hip joints. Revision hip replacement is operated when total hip replacement surgery is not successful or artificial components show problems over time. The necessity of doing revision hip replacement arises due to several reasons and factors.
“Revision hip replacement is like repairing or replacing parts of an old machine. If your previous hip implant is causing problems, this surgery helps fix those issues and get you back to walking better and living pain-free.”
A revision may be required due to:
Implant Wear & Tear – The hip implant may wear out over 10–20 years.
Loosening of the Implant – The components may become unstable.
Infection – A deep joint infection may damage the joint.
Hip Dislocation – Repeated slipping out of place.
Fractures – Broken bones around the implant.
Allergic Reactions or Metal Sensitivity – Reaction to implant material.
Bone Loss (Osteolysis) – Bone around the implant wears away.
MBBS (KEM, Mumbai), MS Ortho, DNB Ortho
FNB Arthroplasty, MRCSEd.(UK) MNAMS
Fellowship in Revision Joint Replacement (Germany)
A revision hip replacement is a surgical procedure to replace or repair an existing artificial hip joint (from a previous total hip replacement). It is done when the original hip implant has failed, worn out, or caused complications.
Think of it as a “second surgery” to fix or upgrade a worn-out or problematic hip implant.
Wearing out of artificial components – Wearing out of artificial components over time when people have hip replacement surgery period has been crossed many years. Wear and tear problems also occur in individuals who are highly active in many physical activities.
Loosening of artificial components – The artificial components that have been used in total hip replacement start loosening out from the hip bones, which leads to joint pain, a decrease in mobility and strength, and instability. Loosening in artificial components arose due to bone loss, infections, or more stress on the hip joints.
Infection – Infection due to total hip replacement occurs when the surgical operation on the hips is not performed well, or in some cases, it also occurs after some years. Many medicines and antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing the infection, So a revision hip replacement is necessary for that condition.
Dislocation of bones or artificial components – The dislocation of artificial components that were implanted at hip joints dislocated from their position, causing extreme pain and improper functioning. In such scenarios, revision replacement surgery for the hips is the only option.
Fracture – Fracture in the artificial components or parts of the hip that are connected to artificial components occurs, for which revision hip replacement surgery needs to be undertaken by the patients suffering from this problem.
In revision hip replacement surgery, the old artificial components of metals, ceramics, or plastic are replaced with new components. Compared to the total hip replacement surgery done prior, the new revision hip replacement surgery is complex because of bone loss, potential errors, and scar formation of tissues at the hip joints.
The surgical approach used by the surgeons during the surgery depends on the circumstances of the patients. May the surgeon use the same hip replacement surgery they have done prior, or may they choose a different approach to treat patients?
In the case of recovery from revision hip replacement, rehabilitation is given to the patients, where physical therapies and exercises are given to the patients to regain their strength and mobility, and strength and get their hips back to functioning correctly. During the recovery process of revision hip replacement surgery, different amounts of time could be taken by the patients, which totally depends upon the patient’s health conditions and recovery time along with procreative care.