Revision Hip Replacement   Revision Hip Replacement in India Modern hip replacement has resulted in huge benefit for patients with arthritic hip disease providing them with reduction of pain, return of function and consequently an improved quality of life. The clinical success of total hip replacement is often taken for granted by the general population. There is evidence of increased longevity (twenty years or more) with some total joint replacements, but many of these mechanical joints fail at around fifteen years when the hip joint loosens. Revision hip surgery is technically extremely difficult and few orthopaedic surgeons have extensive experience in this field. . .   Why does a hip need to be revised ? Pain is the primary reason for revision. Usually the cause is clear but not always. Hips without an obvious cause for pain in general do not do as well after surgery. Plastic (polyethylene) wear This is one of the easier revisions where only the plastic insert is changed Dislocation (instability) means the hip is popping out of place. Loosening of 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 unwell. Osteolysis (bone loss) This can occur due to particles being released into the hip joint that result in bone being destroyed Pain from hardware e. g. . cables or wires causing irritation. . .   Revision Hip Replacement Revision total hip replacement is performed when the original primary total hip replacement has worn out or loosened in the bone. Revisions are also carried out if the primary hip replacement fails due to recurrent dislocation, infection, fracture or very rarely, ongoing pain and significant leg length discrepancy. . . .   Surgical Approaches There are four approaches to the hip and access takes advantage of the muscular planes surrounding the hip joint. Anterior (front) Approach : – The anterior approach has been revitalised for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) — a procedure that We Care India partner surgeon specialises in that can significantly reduce recovery time — when performing a total hip replacement. . . Lateral (side) Approaches : – The anterolateral approach is the most commonly used approach for total hip replacements. The direct lateral approach exposes the hip joint by detaching the upper end of the thigh bone (the greater trochanter). . . . Posterior (rear) Approach : – The posterior approach is the second most common approach when performing a total hip replacement. . . .   Approaches for Revision Hip Surgery The approaches are the same as when performing primary hip replacements but the surgical approach can be extended for increased exposure for what is a more complex procedure. . . .   Advantages Relief of pain and restoration of hip functionReturn to a full and active life style   Disadvantages Failure of the hip implant over timeInherent risks of surgery   Possible Complications Dislocation: This occurs when the ball of the femoral component is dislocated from the acetabular cup. Infection: A bacterial invasion of the hip joint. Thromboembolism: Blood clots and migration of the clot to the lungs. Leg length discrepancy: Limb length discrepancies. . . . .   Recovery The first day most patients will have had their intravenous drip removed. The physiotherapist will see you after surgery and from then on begin with muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. You will be taught the safe way of getting in and out of bed. . .   Revision Hip Surgery in Detail As more primary arthroplasties are performed particularly in young patients to try and attain an improved quality of life the risk of revision surgery increases. The problem with revision surgery is that removal of the hip prosthesis and replacement with a second, third and even fourth artificial joint requires increased technical skills, an array of specialist equipment and bone grafting facilities. These complex operations have a longer operation time, a longer rehabilitation and a higher complication rate. Unfortunately it is not the same as replacing a mechanical part where once the new part is in place the machine continues to perform as if it were new. The problem lies in the fact that the mechanical components wear and loosen. The loosening of these components within the bony supports is often associated with bone resorption (osteolysis) and the surrounding scaffolding for subsequent hip replacements is weakened. . . .     Please log on to : www. indiahospitaltour. com Send your query : Get a Quote   We Care Core Values We have a very simple business model that keeps you as the centre. Having the industry’s most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent.