Revision Hip Surgery
When a replacement joint wears out, loosens or develops a problem, it can be resurfaced or replaced in a joint revision operation. Using regular X-ray examinations, the orthopedic surgeon can detect and monitor any changes, and plan for revision surgery before a major problem develops.
Revision hip surgery requires the removal of the previous prosthesis, the cement, the surrounding tissue and the dead bone before a new prosthesis can be inserted. Surgeons at the Cedars-Sinai Institute Orthopaedic Center have patented new techniques for hip and knee revision surgery, resulting in better outcomes and fewer complications.
Postoperative care for revision hip surgery is the same as that for total hip replacement surgery. Patients receive a combination of home health care, physical and occupational therapy home health care and other forms of rehabilitation.
Complications from this procedure, in addition to the risks associated with any major surgery, are similar to those for original joint replacement surgery. However, the success rate for revision surgery is usually lower than that for the original surgery because the bone is weaker. The first operation generally has a 95 percent success rate, while revision hip surgery has an 85 percent success rate. Complications from revision hip surgery may include:
- Infection (in only two to four percent of cases)
- Loosening of the new prosthesis (in 10 to 15 percent of cases. The likelihood is much greater if the patient is overweight and/or does not use crutches during the first few months)
- Bone fractures during or after surgery (since the bone is weaker and there may be considerable scar tissue around the joint)
- Dislocation (twice as common as for a primary procedure)
- One leg shorter than the other
- Bone loss in the joint (grafting sometimes helps)
Anyone considering revision hip surgery should call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2772) for an appointment and preoperative assessment.
