Know about Revision Joint Replacement
Revision joint replacement or Revision Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure performed to a patient who has already undergone primary total joint replacement. Even though most of the cases of replacement are successful, there can be few cases which might need a revision surgical procedure due to the wear and tear of the implant, loosening of the implant, infection or injury to the joint. This surgery is complex and expensive compared to primary joint replacement as it requires more expertise and time to replace the primary prosthesis.
Need for Revision Joint Replacement
Revision Joint Replacement is advised when a patient experiences severe pain and stiffness which impedes the normal life. A person might need a revision joint replacement due to:
Wear and tear of the Implant and Loosening
This condition might arise due to overweight, high impact activities or wear and tear of the implant. Also in some cases the patient could be younger during the primary replacement of joint and might have a long term risk.
In few cases due to osteolysis, a condition which affects the immune system and deteriorates the implant thereby loosening it.
Infection
Any surgical procedure has the possibility to get infected. An infection to the replaced joint might lead to pain and instability in the prosthesis.
Recurrent Dislocation
Sometimes an injury or certain positions might affect misalignment of the ball and socket causing severe pain in the joint. Frequent dislocations should be reviewed by the doctor and make a decision for the revision replacement of the joint.
Revision Joint Replacement can be done for:
- Knee
- Hip
- Shoulder
The Revision joint replacement surgery is done in stages depending on the case. If the patient is prone to infections the surgery is done in 2 stages.