Revision Hip Replacement
Revision Hip Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
Revision hip replacement surgery for patients experiencing pain, implant loosening, dislocation, infection, or other complications after a previous hip replacement.
Dr. Demetri M. Economedes, Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients who may require revision hip replacement in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding North Carolina communities. Revision surgery is more complex than a primary hip replacement and requires careful assessment of the existing implant, bone quality, and condition of the surrounding tissues.
If you are experiencing persistent or worsening hip pain, instability, reduced mobility, or concerns about a previous hip replacement, Dr. Economedes can evaluate your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.
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.
What are the 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)
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group
Dr. Economedes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, adult joint reconstruction, and arthritis care. Fellowship trained in Adult Joint Reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center, he provides comprehensive treatment for joint pain and mobility issues. Dr. Economedes is committed to helping patients regain function and improve quality of life through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques.
What is the Procedure of Revision Hip Replacement?
Revision hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision over the hip to expose the joint. Then, the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum so that the old plastic liner and metal socket can be removed from the acetabulum.
After removal, the acetabulum is prepared using extra bone and wire mesh to make up for the socket space and shape. Then, the new metal shell is inserted into the socket using screws or special cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the metal socket.
To prepare the femoral component, the top of the femur bone is cut into several pieces to remove the implant. The segments of bone are cleaned, and the new femoral implant is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. The segments of the femur and the femoral component are held together with surgical wires. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new components are secured in place to form the new hip joint. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.
What Does Postoperative Care for Revision Hip Replacement Involve?
After undergoing revision hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent the new joint from dislocating and to ensure proper healing. Some of the common precautions to be taken include:
- Avoid combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards because it can cause dislocation.
- Place a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks.
- Never cross your legs or bend your hips past a right angle (90 degrees).
- Avoid sitting on a low chair.
- Avoid bending down to pick up things; instead, a grabber can be used to do so.
- Use an elevated toilet seat.
What are the Risks of Revision Hip Replacement?
As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with revision hip replacement surgery. The 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
Why Choose Dr. Economedes for Revision Hip Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC?
Revision hip replacement requires careful planning because the procedure involves an existing artificial joint and may involve compromised bone or soft tissues. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes specializes in hip and knee replacement and provides individualized care for patients who require evaluation and treatment of problems following previous hip replacement surgery.
Patients in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding areas can benefit from a comprehensive approach that focuses on identifying the cause of hip replacement failure, evaluating implant stability and bone condition, and developing an appropriate surgical or nonsurgical treatment plan.
Dr. Economedes will review your symptoms, medical history, previous hip replacement, imaging studies, and overall health before determining whether revision surgery is appropriate. When surgery is recommended, the treatment plan is tailored to address the specific reason for revision and support recovery and restoration of hip function.
Revision Hip Replacement FAQs
Revision surgery may be considered when a previous hip replacement becomes painful, unstable, infected, dislocated, loose, or worn. Bone loss around the implant may also require revision surgery.
Persistent or increasing hip pain, recurrent dislocation, instability, reduced function, or symptoms associated with infection may indicate a problem with a previous hip replacement. New or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist.
Yes. Revision surgery can be more complex because the surgeon must work around existing implants and may need to address bone loss, scar tissue, damaged soft tissues, infection, or loose components. The complexity varies depending on the reason for revision.
Dr. Economedes will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as X-rays and other advanced imaging when appropriate, may be used to assess the implant, surrounding bone, and other structures. Additional tests may be necessary when infection is suspected.
Yes. Depending on the underlying problem, revision surgery may involve replacing one or more components rather than the entire artificial hip. The appropriate approach depends on the condition and stability of the existing components.
Recovery varies considerably depending on the extent of revision surgery, bone quality, overall health, and rehabilitation needs. Revision procedures may require longer recovery than primary hip replacement. Dr. Economedes will provide individualized postoperative instructions and rehabilitation recommendations.
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Physical therapy and prescribed exercises may help restore strength, mobility, balance, and function while protecting the healing hip.
Potential complications include infection, dislocation, fracture, blood clots, nerve or blood-vessel injury, leg-length differences, implant wear or failure, and persistent pain. Revision surgery may also carry risks related to bone loss and the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Economedes will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you before surgery.
Dr. Demetri M. Economedes provides hip and knee replacement care for patients in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding areas of North Carolina.
Schedule a Revision Hip Replacement Consultation
If you are experiencing pain or problems after a previous hip replacement, an evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and whether revision treatment may be appropriate.
Contact Dr. Demetri M. Economedes to discuss your hip concerns and explore treatment options in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding areas.