Revision Hip Replacement Specialist
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Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana
Dr. Jeffrey Pearson
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Shreveport, LA & Bossier City, LA
Hip replacement surgery relieves chronic pain and restores mobility for people with severe hip problems, but occasionally the replacement joint causes issues of its own. If you're experiencing difficulties with a replacement hip, Jeffrey Pearson, MD, at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, can help. Dr. Pearson performs revision hip replacement to resolve any problems with your artificial joint. Find out how revision surgery can address your hip replacement dysfunction by calling Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana or booking an appointment online today.
Revision Hip Replacement Q & A
What is revision hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery is typically a successful procedure that allows patients with disabling hip problems to regain mobility and lead more active lives. Sometimes, however, the replacement hip can fail, causing renewed hip pain.
If this happens to you, Dr. Pearson can perform revision hip replacement – an additional surgery that resolves the problems with your faulty hip.
When might I need revision hip replacement?
There are several reasons why you might require revision hip replacement surgery, such as:
Implant loosening
Two processes can secure the original implant components: bone cement or press-fitting the implant, so bone develops around it. However, the adhesive may degrade, or the bone may not grow properly around a press-fit component, causing loosening of the new hip.
Osteolysis
Some patients have an immune system response to tiny particles coming from the plastic joint liner in the replacement hip.
Your immune system attacks healthy bone as well as the plastic particles, causing osteolysis (bone deterioration) and making the implant loose. With modern materials, this happens far less often than with older implants.
Infection
Bacterial infection in the joint is difficult to eradicate with antibiotics, so Dr. Pearson may need to perform revision hip replacement to treat the problem.
Recurrent dislocation
Hip dislocation occurs when the ball-shaped top of your femur (thigh bone) pulls away from its socket (the acetabulum). If you keep having hip dislocations, revision surgery may be necessary to realign your hip joint or introduce a specialized component that prevents dislocations.
Fracture
Periprosthetic fractures (broken bones around the implant) are most likely to result from a fall and often require revision surgery.
Metal ion reaction
The metals in the implants occasionally break down or wear away, leaving tiny particles behind. These particles contain metal ions, to which some patients may be sensitive.
What does revision hip replacement involve?
Revision hip replacement is considerably more complex than the original surgery, requiring specialized instruments and implants and lengthy presurgical planning.
The procedure could involve removing one or more of the original components and using new parts. You might also need additional metal support pieces or grafts to replace bone loss in the joint.
If you have an infection, Dr. Pearson carefully removes all the affected material (debridement).
If your artificial hip is causing you pain, find out how revision hip replacement can help by calling Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana or booking an appointment online today.
