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Revision hip replacement surgery is a medical procedure wherein an existing hip replacement implant that is worn out due to wear and tear is replaced. This is required, as hip replacements although very successful and effective, tend to wear out after some time. Revision hip replacement surgery is also known as total hip replacement revision surgery or arthroplasty. During this surgery, the surgeon will replace a previously implanted prosthesis or artificial hip joint with a new one. In some cases the revision hip replacement surgery procedure may also involve the use of bone grafts. While using bone grafts during revision surgery for hip replacement, the graft may be taken from another site in the body of the individual it or the bone tissue may also be taken from a separate donor.

The main reasons for a revision hip replacement surgery are:

• To restore the one's mobility
• To gain relief from the pain emanating from the affected hip
• To remove a damaged or loose prosthesis which would otherwise cause long term harm to the joint if left unattended

Typically, a revision hip replacement surgery procedure will be recommended as a treatment option only if an x-ray reveals a loosening of the existing prosthesis, a loss of bone tissue or if there is any wearing out of the surfaces of the hip joints of the individual. The first treatment options in other cases (instead of revision hip replacement surgery) include changes recommended in the lifestyle of the individual as well as medication. A strong indicator that the person may have to opt for revision surgery for hip replacement is an increasing pain in the operated hip.

There are a few relatively uncommon reasons that may necessitate a revision hip replacement surgery such as the presence of an infection, a dislocation of the prosthesis as well as a fracture of the hip. In such cases, the surgeon will remove the prosthesis completely to prevent any long term or irreversible damage to the hip.

The routine followed or the care to be taken post a revision hip replacement surgery is similar to the post care for hip replacement surgery with the key difference being that in some cases if the patient has very weak bones they may be required to walk with some support all the time post surgery.

References

• http://www.kneeandhip.co.uk/hip/hip-replacement-surgery/hip-revision-surgery.aspx