Revision Hip Replacement Surgeon in Western Springs, Westmont, IL, Munster, IN
Occasionally, artificial components implanted during total hip replacement can wear out for various reasons and may need to be replaced using a surgical procedure known as revision hip replacement. Reasons for this include wearing out of the parts after several years, loosening of the implant from the bone, mechanical disruptions to the implants and infection. The procedure involves replacing all or part of the previous implant with a new artificial hip joint. Dr Ehmke has expertise in evaluating and treating painful hip replacements.
What is Revision Hip Replacement?
During total hip replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone are 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.
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.
Indications for Revision Hip Replacement
Revision hip replacement is advised for 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
During the procedure, Dr Ehmke will make an incision over the hip to expose the joint, often times using the previous incision Then, the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. Dr Ehmke then evaluates the implants in the socket and the femur to decide what needs to be done.
Revision surgery can be done for many different reasons. Dr Ehmke will make the final decision about what needs to be done while he is in the operating room and these options will be discussed with you prior to surgery in the office.
Sometimes, this only involves removing the old worn-out plastic and leaving the metal parts in if they are in good shape. This would be the most straight forward type of revision surgery.
In some cases, the implant is not secured to the bone anymore and has become “loose”. This loosening is quite painful to the patient. In this case Dr. Ehmke will remove the piece that has become loose and place a new more secure implant into the bone.
If there is infection present, many times the hip prosthesis must be entirely removed in order to completely get rid of the infection. If the implants are secured to the bone tightly, Dr. Ehmke will use different techniques to in order to safely remove them.
If the components need to be positioned differently in order to better optimize performance, Dr Ehmke will use techniques to safely remove the implants from the bone and reposition them. He will often use technology such as xray in the operating room or computer guidance to help him put them in the best performing position.
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. These will be reviewed by your physical therapist. Recovery can vary greatly in revision surgery depending on how much work needed to be done to the bone. In most cases, you will be able to put full weight on your leg, however in some cases the bone will need to heal for a few weeks before weight can be put on it. This will be discussed with you before and after surgery.
Risks of Revision Hip Replacement
As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with revision hip replacement surgery. Risks with revision surgery are higher than original surgery as it is a more complicated surgery. Often times Dr Ehmke must make your leg longer during the surgery in order to make sure the tissue is tight and the hip won’t dislocate easily. This is typically only a few millimeters but is sometimes over 1 cm. Other 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
- Wearing of the hip prosthesis
- Failure to relieve pain
