What is knee and hip joint revision surgery?
Primary joint replacement is the procedure for those patients suffering from joint destruction related to arthritis of any kind. Most primary joint replacements these days last 25 to 30 years, on average. Because the joint prostheses are mechanical parts, they predictably wear out over time and in some patients, there may come a time that partial or complete failure of the joint replacement prostheses occur, which would then require a redo or revision joint replacement surgery. In a very small minority of patients, revisions may be warranted within a short period after their primary joint replacement surgery due to complications such as fracture, infection, or recurrent dislocation.
Who is a candidate for joint revision surgery?
Anyone struggling with pain in the hip (usually felt in the groin) or knee related to arthritis is a good candidate for joint replacement or arthroplasty surgery, after having exhausted reasonable non-surgical or conservative treatments. Most people have tried some conservative treatments, such as activity modification, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or physical therapy prior to even seeing an orthopaedic surgeon for their symptoms.
Regardless of the cause (osteoarthritis, post-traumatic, or other inflammatory arthritis conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis), the destruction of the tissue that cushions the bone ends from the stress of loading, also called cartilage, progresses gradually until there is bone touching bone. Even advanced arthritis can be effectively treated with non-surgical treatment measures mentioned above and your orthopaedic surgeon can be very helpful in recommending which of these are most suitable over the course of your disease, tailoring the recommendations based on your specific symptoms and goals. As the disease continues to progress, however, there often comes a time that these conservative measures no longer have enough of an effect to rid you of the pain and allow you to maintain the quality of life and function you desire. It is when you get to this point that considering a hip or knee replacement is appropriate.
What are benefits of joint revision surgery?
Joint revision surgery aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and enhance the patient's quality of life. The success of the procedure depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, adherence to post-surgery rehabilitation, and proper surgical technique.
What are the risks of joint revision surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with joint revision surgery, including infection, blood clots, joint stiffness, prosthetic loosening, and implant wear.
Knee and hip revision surgery can provide significant relief for individuals with severe joint pain and dysfunction, allowing them to regain mobility and resume daily activities. However, outcomes can vary based on factors such as the individual's overall health, the type of procedure performed, and post-operative rehabilitation. It's important to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and treatment options with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine the most suitable approach for your knee or hip condition and related symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or book an appointment online.