Revision Joint Arthroplasty

Revision Joint Arthroplasty

Over time, prosthetic joints can wear out or fail due to different reasons. As people live longer, revision surgery may become more common. These cases require revision surgery to replace the original implant components. A revision joint replacement refers to the surgery done to replace a worn-out joint replacement. It is also called revision arthroplasty.

When is it Needed?

The joint replacement surgery for knee and hip joints, affected by arthritis, is mostly successful. It helps restore the joints function and relieving the pain for nearly all patients who undergo this procedure. But as more and more people go through this, there comes an interesting point where a second joint replacement is needed, called a joint revision surgery, as they outlive their original joint implant.

Here are some problems that would trigger the need for revision joint surgery-

Implant Loosening:

This is the most common problem after a joint is replaced. When joint replacement is done, the new joint components are cemented or fitted into place. But over time, due to friction, tiny particles break away as a result; this loosens the bonds between bone and implant. So, this can cause a lot of pain and instability as well.

Joint Dislocation:

There are instances when the new joint becomes unaligned and pops out. This complication more often takes place with hip replacement. It can be caused due to scar tissue interfering with the joint, weak joint-supporting muscles, or patients who do not follow treatment guidelines after their joint replacement.

Infection:

If an infection takes hold at the joint replacement site, it can result in enough pain and swelling, causing a revision. Though, with current hospital standards and available antibiotics, the risk for an infection that would trigger joint correction is very less.