Revision Hip Replacement Surgeon in Metro Detroit, MI
Occasionally, artificial components implanted during total hip replacement can wear out for various reasons and may need to be replaced using a surgical procedure known as revision hip replacement. The procedure involves replacing all or part of the previous implants with a new artificial hip joint. Dr. Charters provides diagnosis and revision hip replacement surgery in Metro Detroit, MI. Dr. Charters also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Charter’s team for an appointment today!
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.
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)
Procedure of Revision Hip Replacement
There are many different types of hip revision surgery depending on which hip replacement implants are worn out or have failed. Sometimes, only one component needs to be revised, for example. On the other hand, in some cases all the components need to be revised. Dr. Charters will perform the smallest hip revision replacement surgery to fix the problem with your hip replacement.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision over the hip to expose the joint. Then, the femur (ball) is dislocated from the acetabulum (socket) so that the old plastic liner and metal socket can be removed from the acetabulum.
After removal, the acetabulum is prepared to place a new metal socket. Occasionally, the placement of extra bone (bone graft) or metal shims are necessary. Then, the new metal socket is inserted. A liner made of plastic is placed inside the metal socket.
To revise the femoral component, the previous femoral component is removed. Occasionally, this involves a controlled split of the femur to remove the femoral component that is repaired at the end of the procedure. The new femoral implant is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. 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.
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
If you would like more information about treatment of a problematic hip replacement or would like to learn more about revision hip replacement, contact the office of Dr. Charters to schedule an appointment today!
