0
+
Expert Care for Joint Replacement Revision
Joint replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure that helps thousands of people regain mobility and live without pain. While most modern hip and knee implants are durable, lasting 15 to 20 years for many patients, they can sometimes fail for a variety of reasons. When an artificial joint wears out, becomes loose, infected, or painful, a second surgery is required to address the issue. This procedure is known as revision surgery.
Revision surgery is a more complex process than the initial joint replacement. It requires extensive planning, technological implants, and a surgeon with significant experience in these challenging cases. At the Shashikanth Orthopedic Hospital, we specialize in correction surgeries to correct failed joint replacements, relieve pain, and restore your quality of life.
Why is Revision Surgery Necessary?
A revision procedure may be recommended when a previously implanted artificial joint fails. The most common reasons for the failure of a hip or knee replacement include:
- Infection: While the risk is low, an infection can develop around the implant, either shortly after surgery or even years later. An infected joint replacement often becomes painful, swollen, and stiff, and typically requires surgery to resolve.
- Implant Loosening and Wear: Over time, the artificial components can wear down from daily use, or the bond between the implant and the bone can weaken. This loosening is a primary cause of pain and instability, making the joint feel wobbly or as if it might “give out”. Younger, more active patients may experience this sooner.
- Instability and Dislocation: If the ligaments and soft tissues around the implant are damaged or the components are not aligned correctly, the joint can become unstable. In hip replacements, this can lead to recurrent dislocations, where the “ball” of the implant pops out of the “socket”.
- Fracture: A fall or significant trauma can cause the bone around the implant to break (a periprosthetic fracture). Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, revision surgery may be needed to fix the bone and replace the damaged components.
- Stiffness: While some stiffness is standard after a replacement, excessive scar tissue can sometimes form around the joint, severely limiting the range of motion. If physical treatment does not resolve the issue, a revision may be necessary.
Symptoms of a Failed Joint Replacement
It is essential to pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms in your replaced joint. Warning signs that may indicate your implant is failing include :
- Persistent or Worsening Pain: This is the most common symptom. Pain may be felt deep within the joint, in the groin or thigh for a hip replacement, or around the knee.
- Swelling: New or increasing swelling around the joint can be a sign of inflammation, disease, or loosening.
- Instability: A feeling that the knee or hip is “giving way,” loose, or wobbly during activity.
- Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: A noticeable decrease in your ability to bend or straighten the joint, making daily activities difficult.
- Noises: Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds from the joint during movement that were not there before.
- Signs of Infection: Redness, warmth, or drainage from the incision site, sometimes accompanied by fever or chills.
0
+
Satisfied Patient
The Revision Surgery Procedure
Revision surgery is tailored to your specific situation. After a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, your surgeon will determine the cause of failure and plan the procedure.
The surgery involves removing some or all of the original implant components. Because bone loss often occurs around a failed implant, your surgeon may need to use bone grafts or specialized, larger implants with stems to secure the new joint firmly in place. If an infection is present, the revision is often done in two separate stages. In the first stage, the old implant is removed, the joint is totally cleaned, and a temporary spacer containing antibiotics is inserted. After the infection has cleared, a second surgery is performed to implant the new revision prosthesis.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The recovery period after a revision is typically longer and more demanding than after a primary joint replacement.
- Hospital Stay: You can expect to be in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Some patients may need a short stay in a rehabilitation facility before going home.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation is a crucial part of your recovery. A physical therapist will show you through specific activities to restore your range of motion and support the surrounding muscles. Treatment often begins in the hospital and continues for several months.
- Return to Activities: Most people can resume basic daily activities within three to six months, but a full recovery can take up to a year or more. It is essential to follow your surgeon’s teachings carefully to protect your new joint and ensure the best possible outcome.
0
+
Satisfied Patient
Risks and Complications
Because revision surgery is a longer and more complex operation, it carries a higher risk of complications compared to a primary joint replacement. Potential risks include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Dislocation of the new implant
- Fracture of the bone during surgery
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
- Stiffness or continued instability
Rating & Review
4.6
4.6/5
40 Ratings
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
Stay Informed with Health Tips and Updates
Subscribe to our newsletter for expert health advice, the latest updates, and information on our services directly in your inbox.
Shashikanth Orthopedic Hospital
Advanced pain management, sports injury care, and minimally invasive orthopedic surgery in Karimnagar.