JOIN USHip-revision surgery, also known as Total Hip Arthoplasty is a procedure in which an older artificial hip joint is replaced with a new prosthesis. The surgery is usually done when the previously implanted prosthesis loosens, breaks or dislocates due to the wear and tear caused by intense physical activity.
There are nearly 10,000 primary hip-replacement surgeries conducted in a year of these nearly five per cent require revisions.
This number however is on the rise owing to awareness, health conscious lifestyle and increased acceptance of surgeries among the general public.
Importance
Commenting on the significance of the surgery, Dr Shantharam Shetty said that the average scenario of hip-revision surgeries as compared to primary hip-replacements surgeries is 1:20, making them rare and complex.
However, with advanced surgical techniques, evolving implant designs and materials customized to suit varied lifestyle and anatomic requirements of patients, the success rate of complex hip-replacement surgery has been optimal.
Sharing his views on the relevance of creating awareness among the masses in India, Dr Ajit, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeon, at Tejasvini hospital said: “Timely treatment is of utmost importance, and most patients come only when they are in the final stages of the disease, narrowing the treatment options available and also escalate the deformity further.”
Post-operative care is highly essential and patients are required to follow the recommended rehabilitation and physiotherapy with utmost care to ensure healthier joints and longer lasting implants. People who undergo primary hip-replacements usually can walk on the first day after the operation. This however may differ depending on individual medical histories.
Patients undergoing hip replacements at a younger age would probably require a hip arthoplasty later as the lifespan of an implant is usually 10-15 years.
This lifespan varies from individual to individual depending on lifestyles and the amount of physical activity undertaken.