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Revision arthroplasty surgery, whether it's for the hip or the knee, is a procedure we perform when a previous joint replacement no longer functions as expected. Over time, the artificial joint components can wear out, loosen, or develop complications, such as infection, joint instability, or implant failure. Revision surgery is intended to address these issues and restore function, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
A hip revision is typically needed if the original hip replacement has become loose, worn out, or if there’s been a fracture or infection. This can happen years after the initial surgery, as the components may wear down or the bone around the implant can weaken. During a hip revision surgery, we remove the old components of the hip implant—the metal ball and the socket—and replace them with new parts. If there is bone loss or damage, we may also need to use bone grafts or specialized implants designed to fit the existing bone structure more securely.
The surgery itself can be more complex than a primary hip replacement, as it often involves removing scar tissue, addressing bone loss, and sometimes correcting any misalignment or deformities that developed over time. Depending on the extent of the damage and the specific issue, the procedure can take longer than the initial hip replacement surgery, and the recovery process may also be more gradual.
Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days after the procedure. While recovery may take longer than a first-time hip replacement, the goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you get back to daily activities.
Similarly, knee revision surgery is performed when there are problems with a previous knee replacement. This could include loosening or wear of the artificial components, infection, instability, or even fractures around the implant. The most common reason for revision is the wearing out of the plastic spacer that sits between the metal components, which can cause pain and reduced movement.
In a knee revision, we remove the damaged parts of the old knee implant, including the femoral component, the tibial component, and sometimes the patellar (kneecap) component. We then replace them with new parts. If there’s significant bone loss or damage to the knee structure, we may need to use special implants, bone grafts, or even metal spacers to fill in any gaps and provide more stability. Knee revision surgery is more complicated than a primary knee replacement, and it may require a longer recovery time, especially if there has been significant bone loss or damage. Typically, the surgery takes 2 to 3 hours, and you may stay in the hospital for a few days afterward.
After surgery, physical therapy will be important to restore strength, range of motion, and function to the knee. Recovery may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your overall health.
Both hip and knee revision surgeries are more complex than initial joint replacements, but they are commonly performed and have good success rates. The goal is to alleviate the pain and mobility issues that are caused by the failed implant and to improve your quality of life. In revision surgery, we often have to deal with more scar tissue, bone loss, or changes in the alignment of the joint, which can make the procedure technically more challenging.
After surgery, you’ll typically need a period of rehabilitation to help regain strength and movement in the joint. Physical therapy will be essential to your recovery process, and you may need to follow specific guidelines to protect the new joint and allow it to heal properly.
