Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Bountiful and Layton, UT
When a previous hip replacement becomes painful, unstable, loose, worn, or otherwise fails to function as expected, revision total hip arthroplasty may be necessary. Dr. Joshua Hickman provides specialized hip replacement and revision care for patients in all of the intermountain west and Utah including Bountiful, Layton, and surrounding Northern Utah communities.
Revision hip replacement is more complex than an initial hip replacement because the surgeon must address the existing implant and may need to manage damaged bone or surrounding tissue. Depending on the cause of the failed hip replacement, revision surgery may involve replacing part or all of the existing prosthesis.
Revision Hip Replacement
What is Revision Hip Replacement?
Revision hip replacement is a complex surgical procedure in which all or part of a previously implanted hip-joint is replaced with a new artificial hip-joint. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits your daily activities. During total hip replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components. At times, hip replacement implants can wear out for various reasons and may need to be replaced with the help of a surgical procedure known as revision hip replacement surgery.
Indications of Revision Hip Replacement
Revision hip replacement is advised in patients with the following conditions:
- Increasing pain in the affected hip
- Worn out plastic or polyethylene prosthesis
- Dislocation of previous implants
- Loosening of the femoral or acetabular component of the artificial hip joint
- Infection around the hip prosthesis causing pain and fever
- Weakening of bone around the hip replacement (osteolysis)
Procedure of Revision Hip Replacement
Revision hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision over the hip to expose the hip joint. Then the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum so that the old plastic liner and the metal socket can be removed from the acetabulum.
After removal, the acetabulum is prepared using extra bone and wire mesh to make up for the socket space and shape. Then the new metal shell is inserted into the socket using screws or special cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the metal socket.
To prepare the femoral component, the top of the femur bone is cut into several pieces to remove the implant. The segments of bone are cleaned and the new femoral implant is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. The segments of the femur and the femoral component are held together with surgical wires. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new components are secured in place to form the new hip joint. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.
Post-procedure care for Revision Hip Replacement
After undergoing revision hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent the new joint from dislocating and to ensure proper healing. Some of the common precautions to be taken include:
- Avoid combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards because it can cause dislocation
- Keep a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks
- Never cross your legs or bend your hips past a right angle (90 degrees)
- Avoid sitting on low chairs
- Avoid bending down to pick up things, instead a grabber can be used to do so
- Use an elevated toilet seat
Risks of Revision Hip Replacement
As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with revision hip replacement surgery. The possible complications after revision hip replacement include:
- Infection
- Dislocation
- Fracture of the femur or pelvis
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
- Leg length inequality
- Hip prosthesis may wear out
- Failure to relieve pain
Why Choose Dr. Joshua Hickman for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Bountiful and Layton, UT
- Specialized joint replacement care: Dr. Hickman's practice focuses on hip and knee replacement and reconstruction.
- Revision hip expertise: Revision surgery can address problems involving a previous hip replacement, including loosening, wear, dislocation, infection, and bone loss.
- Individualized surgical planning: The appropriate revision procedure depends on the condition of the existing implant, bone quality, soft tissues, and underlying cause of the failed replacement.
- Complex hip reconstruction: Revision procedures may require specialized implants and techniques to restore hip stability and function.
- Convenient Northern Utah locations: Patients can access orthopedic care in Bountiful and Layton, Utah.
An evaluation can help determine why a previous hip replacement is causing symptoms and whether revision surgery or another treatment approach is appropriate.
Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty FAQs
What is revision total hip arthroplasty?
Revision total hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure used to replace some or all components of a previous hip replacement. It may be performed when an artificial hip becomes painful, loose, worn, unstable, infected, or otherwise fails.
Why might a hip replacement need revision surgery?
A previous hip replacement may require revision because of implant loosening, wear, dislocation, infection, fracture, or weakening of the surrounding bone. Increasing pain or declining hip function can also indicate a problem with an existing prosthesis.
What are the symptoms of a failed hip replacement?
Symptoms can include increasing hip or groin pain, instability, difficulty walking, recurrent dislocation, reduced mobility, or a change in how the hip functions. Fever, redness, swelling, or drainage may indicate infection and require prompt medical evaluation.
Is revision hip replacement more complex than the first hip replacement?
Revision surgery can be more complex because the surgeon must remove or modify existing components and may need to address bone loss, scar tissue, instability, infection, or other problems surrounding the original implant. The complexity varies depending on the reason for revision and the condition of the hip.
What happens during revision hip replacement?
The specific procedure depends on which components need to be replaced and the condition of the surrounding bone and soft tissues. The surgeon may remove the existing femoral or acetabular components, prepare the bone, address bone loss, and place new components to reconstruct the hip joint.
How is infection around a hip replacement treated?
An infection involving a hip prosthesis requires careful evaluation and treatment planning. Depending on factors such as the timing and severity of infection and the condition of the implant, treatment may involve antibiotics and one or more surgical procedures. Your surgeon will determine the appropriate approach.
How long does recovery take after revision hip replacement?
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the revision, the patient's overall health, bone quality, and the procedures required during surgery. Revision patients may have specific weight-bearing and movement restrictions and will receive individualized postoperative instructions.
Will I need special precautions after revision hip replacement?
Some patients require precautions to reduce the risk of dislocation and protect the healing hip. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding sleeping positions, bending, leg positioning, weight-bearing, and other activities based on your procedure.
What are the risks of revision hip replacement?
Potential complications include infection, dislocation, fracture, blood clots, nerve or blood-vessel injury, leg-length differences, implant wear or loosening, and persistent pain. Your surgeon can discuss the risks specific to your individual situation.
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon about a previous hip replacement?
You should seek an orthopedic evaluation if you develop increasing pain, instability, recurrent dislocation, difficulty walking, or other changes in a previously replaced hip. Prompt evaluation can help identify the underlying problem and determine appropriate treatment.
Where can I get revision hip replacement care in Bountiful or Layton?
Dr. Joshua Hickman provides specialized hip and joint replacement care in Bountiful and Layton, Utah. Patients experiencing problems with a previous hip replacement can schedule an evaluation to discuss the cause of their symptoms and available treatment options.
Get Help for a Problematic Hip Replacement in Bountiful and Layton, UT
Dr. Joshua Hickman provides specialized hip replacement and revision care for patients in all of the intermountain west and Utah including Bountiful, Layton, and surrounding Northern Utah communities. Schedule a consultation to have your previous hip replacement evaluated and discuss your treatment options. Contact Dr. Joshua Hickman's office today to schedule a revision hip replacement consultation in Bountiful or Layton, UT.
