A revision hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure to replace a worn out or failedhip replacement implant.
Hip replacements are among the most common procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons.
This surgery is generally very successful and has excellent results in the vast majority of patients.
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Despite this, unfortunately, over time hip replacements can wear out.
Hip replacements typically wear outvery slowly, but the problem does progress over the years.
Ten years after a hip replacement, there is a 90% chance the implant will be functioning well.
In general, the lifespan of the implant is expected to be 15 to 20 years.
Patients who wear out their prosthesis will require revision hip replacement surgery.
Approximately 70,000 revision hip replacements are performed every year in the United States.
Why Hip Replacements Wear Out
Hip replacements can wear out for a variety of reasons.
A loose hip implant tends to be painful and usually requires revision hip replacement.
Furthermore, removing the old hip replacement can necessitate more extensive surgery.
Together, these problems often require the revision hip replacement to be much more complex.
Another problem with revision hip replacement is that undergoing the surgery itself can be more complicated.
Patients tend to be older, and less tolerant of long surgical procedures.
Longer surgeries can typically mean longer time under anesthesia and more blood loss.
Because of this, revision hip replacement must be carefully considered and planned.
Involvement of general medical doctors, anesthesiologists, and the orthopedic surgeon are all important.
Other times, despite significant symptoms, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend against revision hip replacement.
We cannot underscore how complex revision hip replacement decision making can be.
Not allproblems with hip replacementsare solved with revision surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Undergoing a revision hip replacement surgery is a major undertaking.
Successful outcomes may be less.
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