During a total hip replacement, the hip joint is replaced with implants made from plastic, ceramics, and metal. While this surgery is widely successful, problems may occasionally develop over time requiring a revision total hip replacement.
Often, only some components of the prosthetic hip need to be revised. But, in other cases, the whole prosthetic may need to be replaced. If the bone around the hip is damaged, augments or implants may be used to provide structural support. In the event an infection is identified, a staged hip revision will be performed.
Oftentimes we will be able to remove the implant, clean the hip, and replace the new prosthetic in a single operation. It is typically a two-step process but we’ll analyze to see what we can do in the first stage revision replacement. Your specific procedure needs will be determined by your consultation with the doctor.
In many cases, a two stage hip revision is needed. During this type of procedure, the implant is removed and replaced with an antibiotic spacer to help fight infection over the course of several weeks while you are also treated with intravenous antibiotics. During the second stage of this procedure, once the infection has been cleared, the spacer is removed and a new prosthetic is inserted.
The hip revision surgery specialists at Greater Phoenix Orthopedics will put you through a physical examination to test your hip’s strength and mobility. We’ll also use diagnostic tests such as MRIs or X-rays to get a better view of the extent of the damage. From there, we’ll recommend the best course of action to get you back on the move. Blood tests may also be ordered if there is reason to believe there is an infection in your hip.
A revision hip replacement is often more complex and might take longer than the initial replacement. To begin, we follow the original line of incision to expose your hip joint. We then examine the soft tissues and look for signs of infection. The components of the hip will be assessed closely to determine which parts need to be revised.
We will remove the original implants and proceed with preparing the pelvic and femur bone surfaces for the revision implants, adding metal augments or blocks if significant bone loss has occurred.
A controlled fracture of the femur may be required to remove a stem that is well fixed to the bone. The femur will be put back together once the new stem is placed, and held with metal cables while the controlled fracture heals.
Lastly, we will insert the new implant(s) and repair any surrounding tissue that may be damaged. A final test of the joint motion is conducted before closing up your hip and preparing you for recovery.
Scheduling: (623) 208-7979
Fax: (800) 483-0729
Scheduling: (623) 208-7979
Fax: (800) 483-0729
