What You Need to Know About Revision Surgery
Hundreds of thousands of hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States each year, and they are highly successful in eliminating pain, restoring mobility and improving quality of life. Joint replacement, in which an orthopedic surgeon replaces the arthritic areas of a joint with a metal, plastic or ceramic implant, has changed many lives for the better. The implants used in joint replacement may last up to 15 or 20 years, but they generally don’t last forever. When the implant wears out, people often need a second surgery in which the existing implant or components are taken out and replaced. This is called a revision surgery. Sometimes, a revision surgery is needed sooner, and the main reasons include: Loosening of the implant. The hip or knee replacement may become painful after many years because the components have begun to wear and loosen. A fracture. A fall or severe blow can cause a fractu...