You may have had your hip replaced after an injury or to treat arthritis or bone disease. Total artificial hip replacement usually lasts 10 to 15 years. The length of time depends on:
Hip RevisionYou may have had your hip replaced after an injury or to treat arthritis or bone disease. Total artificial hip replacement usually lasts 10 to 15 years. The length of time depends on:The type of implant or fixation you have, The type of surgery you had, Your activity levels, Your age, Other health problems you may have like diabetes or obesity, and other factors. If you've had your artificial hip for several years, you may be wondering if it needs to be replaced. The surgery to replace an artificial joint is called a revision.Reasons for hip revisionYour hip joint is located between your pelvis and your thighbone, or femur. The 3 main parts of your femur are the head, neck, and shaft. The head of your femur is shaped like a ball and fits into a socket on your pelvis. This socket is called your acetabulum. The acetabulum is lined with strong cartilage called the labrum. Your femoral head has a cap made of cartilage.The traditional artificial hip implant replaces the head and neck of your femur. A stem is inserted into the shaft of your femur to help hold the device in place. In most cases, the acetabulum is also replaced. Hip resurfacing, another type of hip replacement surgery, requires removing only a small amount of bone from the head of your femur. A round cap goes over the remaining head of your femur. A small stem is then inserted into its neck.Over time, the mechanical parts of any artificial hip can wear out and loosen. The bone around the implant may also become damaged. When either of these happens, you may need to have the joint replaced. If you start to have pain or limited movement in your hip, you may need a revision hip replacement. You also may need a revision hip replacement if your implant gets infected, or if you break or dislocate your hip. You're more likely to need a revision if you were young when you had your hip replaced. You're also more likely to need a hip revision if you have rheumatoid arthritis, or take part in high-impact activities.SymptomsSome of the symptoms you might have include:Pain Difficulty walkingDeformity, or Differences in leg lengthYou may not experience any symptoms at all. If you're having symptoms, or if you've had your implant for a long time and have concerns, talk with your healthcare provider. X-rays are one way to tell if you need a hip revision. X-rays can show implant wear or movement, joint loosening, or hip fracture or dislocation. Other imaging tests include magnetic resonance imaging, or M-R-I, and computed tomography, or C-T, scans. These imaging tests help determine why a revision is needed and what the overall condition of your hip bone is. You may also have lab tests to make sure you don’t have an infection or an allergic reaction to the metal used in the implant in your hip.TreatmentIf you need a hip revision, you'll need to have surgery. The old implant will be removed and replaced with a new one. Once your surgery is complete, you will need therapy. You'll generally be encouraged to get out of bed and start walking with help a day or so after surgery, or as directed by your healthcare provider.After your surgery, you’ll probably take medicines to help prevent blood clots. You may be given compression stockings or boots to wear. A physical therapist will work with you to help you strengthen your leg and get you moving again. The goal is to help you regain your mobility and independence. Be sure to follow your physical therapist's instructions for moving around, sitting, and bending over, so that you don't injure your new hip. Also, make sure that clutter and any other tripping hazards at home are out of your way.ComplicationsLike any surgery, hip revision has complications. The chance for them is higher than with your original hip replacement surgery. That’s because hip revision takes longer and tends to be more complex. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk for these possible complications:Dislocation of your hipInfectionBlood clots. Differences in leg length Damage to bone, nerves, or blood vessels, and Failure or loosening of the implantThings to rememberYou may need a revision if your implant has worn out, loosened, moved, or become infected. Symptoms that may mean you need a hip revision include pain, difficulty walking, and deformity, or differences in leg length. If you've had your hip replaced and you're concerned about needing a revision, talk with your healthcare provider. Together you can come up with a plan for the future.What we have learnedX-rays are one way to figure out if you need a hip revision. True or false? The answer is true. X-rays can show implant wear or movement, joint loosening, or hip fracture or dislocation. You're less likely to need a revision if you were young when you had your hip replaced. True or false? The answer is false. The mechanical parts of the original implant wear out or loosen over time.
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2020
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