Revision is defined as modifying something so it’ll be better than its original. In revision surgery, an earlier procedure will be revised because the complications hinder the patient’s normal functioning. In hip replacement surgeries due to hip fractures, a revision surgery is needed when the prosthetic devices have been damaged due to wear and tear and other reasons.

A Brief on Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement is performed to get rid of the damaged hip joints and cartilage and be replaced with prosthetic devices like DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement device. The procedure typically lasts 2 to 4 hours and the prognosis is generally good. Usually, hospital stay will not be more than 5 days and it will take around 3 to 6 months to have full recovery if the patient adheres to the treatment and rehabilitation plan.

When is Revision Surgery Needed?

Surgeons perform hip revision surgery for 2 main reasons: if pain is severe and the disability cannot be managed by other treatment modalities and the extent of damage shown in x-ray tests is serious and operation is needed immediately. Hip Revision usually becomes necessary if the following conditions will arise:

        Infection in the tissues surrounding the prosthetic device needs immediate medical attention because it can further spread to different sites and may potentially damage the hip bone. We wouldn't want a systemic infection to happen and spread throughout the body.

            Hip injury is considered as the top cause of fractures in America. The majority of those who underwent hip replacement belong to the elderly and incidentally, they are also considered to be the most at risk for fractures.

            The hip device is initially tight-fitted into the bone so it will stay in place but over time, wear and tear will loosen the device and can begin to move into small amounts. This phenomenon causes pain and patient’s range of motion will be limited. It will take an average of 15-20 years for these devices to last but some like those manufactured by DePuy compelled the patients to file for a DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit because of premature loosening of the devices which happened a couple of years after hip replacement. This is a very serious situation because replacing the device is much more difficult and usually not as successful as the first operation.