Joint Replacement Revisions
Introduction
Joint replacement surgeries, for example, hip and knee replacement, help enhance mobility and remove pain in a patient with a severe joint disorder. However, the artificial implants may wear out, loosen, or develop complications over time. In such a case, it requires revision surgery. Revision of joint replacement is a corrective procedure that aims to replace the failed implant with a new one to restore its function and eliminate discomfort.
This article covers the importance of revision surgery, types, procedure steps, benefits, risks, costs, and the best hospitals in India for treatment.
What is Joint Replacement Revision?
Joint replacement revision is a surgical procedure that involves the replacement or repair of an artificial joint implant that has failed due to wear, loosening, infection, or mechanical issues. The procedure is more complex than the primary Artificial joint implantation and requires specialized surgical skills.
This procedure is often done on knee, hip, and shoulder replacements when the original implant does not work as it should anymore, leading to pain, instability, or loss of movement.
Why is Joint Replacement Revision Needed?
Joint replacement revision is needed for people with:
- Implant wear or loosening
- Joint instability or dislocation
- Continued pain following primary surgery
- Periprosthetic fractures (bone fractures around the implant)
- Infection in the joint
- Allergic reactions to implant materials
- Mechanical stress-related implant failure
Without revision surgery, these problems can progress to cause significant loss of mobility and chronic pain.
Types of Joint Replacement Revision
The type of revision surgery depends on the joint and the reason for failure:
- Total Revision: Complete removal and replacement of the old implant.
- Partial Revision: Replacement of only the damaged or loose component.
- Two-Stage Revision: This is where, in the first stage, the implant is taken out, followed by the clearance of infection, after which a new implant is introduced in the second stage.
- Bone Grafting Revision: Performed when the bone loss develops around the implant. The area needs to have bone grafts before a new prosthesis is inserted.
Procedure Steps
Artificial joint implantation revision surgery is under general or regional anesthesia and thus includes the following steps:
- Incision: The surgeon creates an incision to access the joint.
- Removal of Old Implant: The surgeon gently removes the damaged or loose implant.
- Bone Preparation: The medical team performs grafting in case of bone loss.
- Implant Placement: The surgeon places and fixes a new implant.
- Closure: The surgeon closes the incision and stabilizes the joint.
- Post-Surgical Care: The healthcare team provides the patient with physiotherapy and monitors them for proper healing.
The surgery usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity.
Benefits of Joint Replacement Revision
- Restores joint function and mobility
- Eliminates chronic pain and discomfort
- Corrects problems with the implant
- Improves quality of life and independence
- Extends the life of the new implant
Cost of Revision Joint Replacement
- India: $5,500 – $9,000
- USA: $25,000 – $50,000
- UK: $20,000 – $40,000
- Thailand: $10,000 – $15,000
Best Hospitals in India for Revision Joint arthroplasty
Some of the best private hospitals in India where revision joint replacement surgery can be undertaken include:
- Metro Hospital Faridabad
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Complications and Risks
Although revision surgery is successful, there are some risks involved:
- Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Infection or implant rejection
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Longer recovery time than primary surgery
- Wear of the implant over time necessitates future revisions
Recovery from Joint Replacement Revision
Recovery from revision surgery usually takes 3-6 months. Important recovery tips include:
- Physiotherapy regularly
- Avoid high-impact activities
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the implant
- Adherence to prescribed medications and post-op care
- Use of mobility aids if needed
Full recovery and improvement in joint function may take up to a year, depending on the patient’s general health and adherence to rehabilitation programs.
