Reasons for Undergoing a Hip Revision

The debate of using hip implants still occurs among health experts, news reports say, as these prostheses were known to cause several health complications. These hip implants may fail due to a number of causes, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, such as dislocation, loosening and infection among others. There are different interacting factors that may result this kind of problem, however most patients may have their implants for a long time before it fails. Health studies are conducted by orthopedic experts to help make better quality prosthesis and lessen the risk of failure.

Wear and tear is a risk that all hip implants have, orthopedic specialists believe, but there are ways to delay this problem. Revision surgery is often earlier for younger and active individuals than those who are not. It is then important to inform patients of these risk factors. It may be possible to delay a hip revision procedure but some health experts believe that it may cause more problems. Deciding to go through with a revision surgery may not be easy though.

Here are some possible reasons for getting a hip replacement revised:

- Loosening

o This is the most common cause of hip implant failure that leads to revision. Loosening may occur due to the constant use of the prosthesis. The damage the spreads as the loose components rub against the surrounding bone.

- Infection

o It is possible for the hip replacement to get infected any time after the operation up until the first two months. It does lessen after that specified time but patients need to remember to take extra caution when going to the dentist as it may increase the likelihood of infection. Bacteria may stick to the implant causing several complications. It may be treated with antibiotics but severe cases may require the patient to undergo a revision surgery.

- Dislocation

o Hip implant dislocation has the highest risk during the first six months following the surgical procedure. Nonetheless, surgery may only be intended for repetitive dislocations.

These are only some of the possible risks that patients may encounter. Those who have experienced these problems may opt to join the growing number of lawsuits in DePuy ASR MDL filed in district courts.

URL References:

hss.edu/conditions_revision-total-hip-replacement-overview.asp

ard.bmj.com/content/56/8/455.full

orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00510

niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Hip_Replacement/