Learn about Hip Revision Surgery

Have you had a hip replacement before? Do you feel pain or discomfort in your hip joint again after such a surgery? Then you may also be considering a hip revision surgery. Don't be afraid when you hear this name. Although this is a second surgery, it will fix any problems that have arisen in your artificial hip joint and help you do your daily activities without pain again. Let's talk about this in detail.

Why is a second surgery like this necessary?

You may be thinking, "I've had surgery once, why do I have to have another one?" That's a fair question. Think about it, the prosthesis we put in during the first surgery is like a tire on a car. It wears out over time. And so does this prosthesis. Typically, a hip replacement like this will last about 10 to 20 years. That can vary depending on your daily activities and how you use the joint.

Simply put, just as a vehicle needs service and maintenance from time to time, your artificial joint may also need this type of 'repair' from time to time.

There are several main reasons why this surgery may be necessary.

If your artificial joint is not working properly for any of these reasons, you may experience severe pain and be unable to use your hip properly . The main goal of revision surgery is to correct these problems and restore the function of your hip.

How do you prepare before surgery?

It is very important to be well prepared before a surgery like this. This will also help your recovery process.

Preparing with the doctor

About a month before the surgery, your doctor and his team will meet with you to explain everything about the surgery and its risks. Also,

• A complete physical examination is performed.
• We will ask you about your complete medical history, the medications and vitamins you are currently taking.
• They will also order several necessary tests. For example:
• Blood tests (Lab testing)
• Urine analysis
• ECG test
• X-ray tests

How to prepare at home

You may feel a little uncomfortable in the first few weeks after your surgery. Preparing your home environment in advance will make things easier for you.

• Someone to help: Find someone to help with household chores for the first few weeks after surgery.
• Quitting smoking: If you are a smoker, trying to quit or cut down before surgery is very beneficial for the healing process.
• Reduce slip and fall hazards: Remove things like rugs and wires hanging from the floor. These can cause slip and fall hazards.
• Keep items within easy reach: Place frequently used kitchen items, such as food and drinks, on a shelf at waist or shoulder level so that you can easily reach them without bending over.
• Change your sleeping location: If possible, instead of sleeping upstairs, arrange a room on the ground floor so that you don't have to climb stairs.
• Assistive devices: Prepare things in advance, such as an elevated toilet seat, a bathroom chair, and a grasping device to help you put on socks and shoes.

Do you need to take care of your teeth too?

This is something that many people don't know, but it's very important. Your doctor will probably recommend that you see a dentist before surgery to have your teeth cleaned and any cavities filled. This is because germs in your mouth can easily enter your bloodstream. During the healing process after surgery, your hip needs more blood flow. This is when your body is more susceptible to infection. That's why these precautions are taken.

How is the surgery performed? What happens after the surgery?

During a hip revision surgery, your surgeon will remove all or part of your old artificial joint and replace it with a new one. This surgery usually takes about two hours.

However, if there is a severe infection , the surgery may have to be performed in two stages.

1. First stage: The old joint is removed and the infection is treated with antibiotics to completely heal it.

2. Second stage: After the infection has healed, a second surgery is performed to implant a new joint.

After the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days. After that, you will go home to recover. Your doctor will give you these instructions:

• Take your prescribed medication on time to reduce pain and prevent blood clots.
• Visit the doctor again on scheduled dates (follow-up appointments) and participate in physical therapy exercises.
• For the first 4-6 weeks, keep your legs slightly elevated by placing them on a pillow or in a chair.
• Use a walker or crutches until you can put full weight on your leg.

Benefits, risks, and recovery time

Like any surgery, this one has benefits as well as some risks.

It can take up to 6 months to fully recover. There may be some initial limping and pain when walking, but these will subside over time. Physical therapy is an essential and very important part of the recovery process. This treatment begins almost immediately after surgery. You will need to continue these exercises for about a year.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you experience any of these symptoms while at home after surgery, you should notify your doctor immediately .

• If the skin becomes red or discolored at the surgical site.
• If there is severe pain or swelling .
• If something like liquid is leaking from the cut.
• If you experience pain in the soles of your feet, cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Going through a second surgery like this can be a bit emotionally overwhelming. But remember, this is to relieve your pain and get you back on your feet. Be open about any concerns you may have with your doctor. By following the instructions exactly and doing physical therapy exercises, you can recover quickly.

Hip surgery, hip revision surgery, hip replacement, joint diseases, bone diseases, physical therapy, recovery after surgery