Revision Hip Replacement in Seattle, WA
A previous hip replacement can sometimes become painful or unstable because of implant wear, loosening, infection, dislocation, bone loss, or other complications. When a hip implant fails or no longer functions properly, revision hip replacement in Seattle, WA may be necessary to restore stability and function. Dr. Thomas Fraychineaud, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction, hip and knee replacement, and revision joint replacement. He provides individualized evaluation and treatment planning for patients who require complex hip reconstruction after a previous joint replacement.
What is Revision Hip Replacement?
During total hip replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components. At times, hip replacement implants can wear out for various reasons and may need to be replaced with the help of a surgical procedure known as revision hip replacement surgery.
Revision hip replacement is a complex surgical procedure in which all or part of a previously implanted hip joint is replaced with a new artificial hip joint. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits your daily activities.
What are the Indications for Revision Hip Replacement?
Revision hip replacement is advised for the following conditions:
- Increasing pain in the affected hip
- Worn out plastic or polyethylene prosthesis
- Dislocation of previous implants
- Loosening of the femoral or acetabular component of the artificial hip joint
- Infection around the hip prosthesis, causing pain and fever
- Weakening of bone around the hip replacement (osteolysis)
What is the Procedure of Revision Hip Replacement?
Revision hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision over the hip to expose the joint. Then, the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum so that the old plastic liner and metal socket can be removed from the acetabulum.
After removal, the acetabulum is prepared using extra bone and wire mesh to make up for the socket space and shape. Then, the new metal shell is inserted into the socket using screws or special cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the metal socket.
To prepare the femoral component, the top of the femur bone is cut into several pieces to remove the implant. The segments of bone are cleaned and the new femoral implant is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. The segments of the femur and the femoral component are held together with surgical wires. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new components are secured in place to form the new hip joint. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.
What Does Postoperative Care for Revision Hip Replacement Involve?
After undergoing revision hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent the new joint from dislocating and to ensure proper healing. Some of the common precautions to be taken include:
- Avoid combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards because it can cause dislocation.
- Place a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks.
- Never cross your legs or bend your hips past a right angle (90 degrees).
- Avoid sitting on a low chair.
- Avoid bending down to pick up things; instead, a grabber can be used to do so.
- Use an elevated toilet seat.
What are the Risks of Revision Hip Replacement?
As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with revision hip replacement surgery. The possible complications after revision hip replacement include:
- Infection
- Dislocation
- Fracture of the femur or pelvis
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
- Leg length inequality
- Wearing of the hip prosthesis
- Failure to relieve pain
Why Choose Dr. Fraychineaud for Revision Hip Replacement in Seattle, WA?
Revision hip replacement requires specialized knowledge because the procedure may involve removing existing implants, addressing bone loss or damaged tissue, treating infection, and reconstructing the hip to restore stability and function. Dr. Thomas Fraychineaud completed his orthopedic surgery residency at George Washington University and pursued fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the University of Minnesota. His advanced training focuses on hip and knee replacement and complex reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Fraychineaud also specializes in revision joint replacement, providing expertise relevant to patients whose previous hip replacement has developed complications or requires further surgery. His research background includes studies involving joint replacement outcomes and orthopedic reconstruction. For patients in Seattle and surrounding communities, his adult reconstruction training provides a specialized foundation for evaluating complex hip replacement problems and developing an individualized treatment plan.
Patients choose Dr. Fraychineaud for:
- Fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement
- Specialized expertise in hip replacement and revision joint replacement
- Experience with complex joint reconstruction
- Individualized treatment planning for failed or painful hip replacements
- Evidence-based orthopedic care informed by clinical research
- Comprehensive evaluation of implant-related complications
- A treatment approach focused on restoring hip stability, function, and mobility
Revision Hip Replacement FAQs
What is revision hip replacement?
Revision hip replacement is a surgical procedure performed to replace, remove, repair, or revise some or all of the components of a previous hip replacement. Unlike primary hip replacement, revision surgery may involve addressing complications such as implant loosening, wear, instability, infection, fractures, or bone loss. The complexity of the procedure depends on the condition of the existing implant and surrounding bone and soft tissues.
Why might I need revision hip replacement?
Revision surgery may be recommended when a previous hip replacement develops a significant complication. Possible reasons include persistent or increasing hip pain, implant loosening, wear of the bearing surfaces, recurrent dislocation, infection around the artificial joint, fracture around the implant, or bone loss surrounding the prosthesis. Your surgeon will determine the cause of the problem through a detailed evaluation and appropriate imaging or laboratory testing.
Is revision hip replacement more complex than primary hip replacement?
Yes. Revision hip replacement can be more complex because the surgeon must work around an existing implant and may need to remove well-fixed components, address bone loss, reconstruct damaged areas, or treat an infection. The specific surgical plan depends on the reason for revision and the condition of the hip joint.
How long does recovery take after revision hip replacement?
Recovery after revision hip replacement varies significantly depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's overall health. Some patients may have activity or weight-bearing restrictions for a period of time, particularly when bone reconstruction is required. Physical therapy and a structured rehabilitation program may be part of recovery. Your surgeon will provide individualized instructions based on your procedure and healing progress.
What are the risks of revision hip replacement?
Revision hip replacement carries potential risks similar to those of primary hip replacement, but some complications may occur more frequently because revision surgery is more complex. Potential risks include infection, dislocation, fracture, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, differences in leg length, implant loosening or wear, persistent pain, and the need for additional surgery.
Can a failed hip replacement be revised?
In many cases, a failed or problematic hip replacement can be treated with revision surgery. However, the appropriate treatment depends on the cause of implant failure, the condition of the surrounding bone and soft tissues, the presence or absence of infection, and other individual factors. A specialist in adult reconstruction can evaluate the hip and determine whether revision surgery or another treatment is appropriate.
Schedule a Revision Hip Replacement Consultation in Seattle, WA
If your previous hip replacement has become painful, unstable, or difficult to use, a specialized orthopedic evaluation can help identify the cause and determine your treatment options. Dr. Thomas Fraychineaud, MD, specializes in adult reconstruction, hip and knee replacement, and revision joint replacement, providing individualized care for complex hip conditions.
Serving patients in Seattle and surrounding communities, Dr. Fraychineaud can evaluate problems involving previous hip replacements and discuss whether revision surgery may be appropriate for your condition.
Contact Dr. Thomas Fraychineaud in Seattle, WA, to schedule a consultation for revision hip replacement and learn more about your options for restoring hip function and mobility.
