Orthopedic hip revision specialists may operate on patients with severe pain and mobility problems related to prosthetic joints. However, the decision to revisit surgery must be custom-tailored to individual needs and other factors.
Let’s explore what a hip revision specialist considers when planning treatment and where you can go in Boynton Beach, FL, for effective pain management.
Hip Revision Surgery
About two and a half million American adults have artificial joint components in one or both hips. These plastic resin, metal, or ceramic parts replace worn portions of the thigh bone, the femur, or the socket (acetabulum) that receives the femur end. The cartilage which allows a joint to operate smoothly also requires replacement. Wear and tear problems may be related to osteoarthritis, or OA, or to:
- Sports Injury
- The traumatic impact of a fall or car accident
- Diseases, such as avascular necrosis
- Congenital malformation
Regrettably, despite the high success rate of hip replacement surgeries, prosthetics or even remaining healthy bone can fail due to age, dislocation, or other circumstances. These result in joint symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Joint fracture (especially the hip socket) or fracture/loosening of the prosthetics
- Difficulty walking, standing, and climbing stairs
- Lack of improvement in function even with physical therapy, medications, and use of assistive devices, such as walkers and canes
In these cases, the orthopedic hip revision specialist in Boynton Beach may recommend hip revision surgery to “redo” the joint replacement done some years before.
Things An Orthopedic Surgeon Considers When Treating Hip Revision Patients
Here are some of the factors the orthopedic doctor looks at when contemplating revision surgery.
Age of the prosthetic joint
Prosthetic joints, particularly the weight-bearing ones, usually last for only 15 to 20 years. When a patient nears that number and begins experiencing symptoms, surgery should be looked at, along with other less invasive treatment options.
The overall health of the patient
Diabetics, cancer patients, and others who may have compromised immune systems may not qualify for this orthopedic procedure because of the risk of infection, other existing health conditions, and more. So, the surgeon and patient must carefully weigh the risks versus the benefits of attempting hip revision surgery. Is there a real possibility of a good recovery?
Results of testing
As with any surgery, the hip revision patient must undergo a physical exam to be clear of this invasive treatment. Additionally, the doctor will manually assess the joint and digital imaging to visualize what is happening inside the hip.
Going home or to a rehab facility
Patients of all ages often recover more successfully if they stay at an orthopedic rehabilitation facility where they can receive their medications and therapies in a safe, professional environment. The decision to go home or to rehab will be determined ahead of time, so the patient knows what to expect after leaving acute care in the hospital.
Orthopedic Hip Revision Specialists in Boynton Beach, FL
Experience attentive, personalized hip replacement and revision care at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our physicians are board-certified and fellowship-trained with years of experience in surgical and non-operative solutions to orthopedic issues.
Please call us today if you or your PCP feel you need an in-office evaluation of your existing hip replacement. You can also arrange a visit through our secure request form online.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
