Revision Hip Surgery

When a patient reports significant post operative Hip pain, revision surgery could be required. This means that part or all of your previous hip replacement needs to be revised. 

This operation varies from very minor adjustments to more detailed operations hence it is difficult to describe in full.

Reasons for Revision Hip Surgery

Usually the cause is clear but not always.

Hips without an obvious cause for pain in general do not do as well after surgery.

Common causes for Hip Revision Surgery are
  • Wear - this can be caused by the plastic (polyethylene) wearing and is one of the easier revisions where only the plastic insert is changed (Dual Mobility)
  • Dislocation - this can cause instability and means the hip is popping out of place.
  • Loosening - this can be caused by either the femoral or acetabular component. This usually presents as pain but may be asymptomatic. 
For this reason, you must have your joint followed up for life as there can be changes on X-ray that indicate that the hip should be revised despite having no symptoms.
  • Infection - usually presents as pain but may present as an acute fever or a general feeling of unwellness.
  • Bone Loss - Osteolysis can occur due to particles being released into the hip joint that result in bone being destroyed
  • Hardware Pain - This can be caused by cables or wires causing irritation.Usually the cause is clear but not always. 

Treatment Process

Preparation for Surgery

  • Provide a complete list of your medications so you can be advises which to stopped prior to surgery,
  • Treat any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems before surgery to reduce the risk of infection
  • Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) at least seven days before the procedure.
  • Stop or cut down smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery
  • Consider losing weight (if overweight) before surgery

Day of Surgery

  • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
  • Do not consume alcohol - 24 hours prior to treatment,
  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery,

During Surgery

  • Administration of general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthesia
  • The entire procedure can take 60 minutes to two hours.
  • Procedure is performed and sent to recovery room, for observation
  • Pain medications are prescribed to help with pain during the recovery phase. 

After Surgery

  • Do not consume large amounts of alcohol after surgery,
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise until advised,
  • Follow the Post Surgery Treatment Plan proscribed by the surgeon and post op care specialists.
  • Any questions or complications should be communicated directly to the surgeon
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