Although hip and knee replacements are among the most successful surgical procedures in medicine, a replacement can fail over time for a host of reasons. These include:
- Implant wear and/or loosening
- A fracture
- Recurrent dislocation or joint instability
- Reaction to metal ions or an allergy to metal
- An infection
Revision Replacement Surgery to Relieve Pain and Improve Joint Function
When any of these listed above occur, your doctor may recommend a second operation to replace some of the parts of the original prosthesis. This is what is known as revision hip or knee replacement.
Like a total hip or knee replacement, a revision replacement aims to relieve your pain and improve joint function. However, revision surgery is a more time-consuming and complex procedure that requires extensive planning and specialized tools and implants to ensure a good result.
In some cases, revision surgery involves the replacement of only a few components of the prosthesis. Or, it could require the complete removal and replacement of the entire prosthesis along with the rebuilding of the bone around the hip or knee with a bone graft or metallic bone-substitute components.
Dr. Brett J. Gilbert is specially trained in revision surgery and will work to try and get you back on your feet, moving freely without pain, as swiftly as possible. For more information about revision hip and knee replacement surgery, call our practice at (919) 788-8797 or schedule an appointment online.
