Primary & Revision Hip Replacement

Primary Hip Replacement and Revision Hip Replacement are surgical procedures performed to restore the function of the hip joint. These surgeries are commonly used to treat pain and disability caused by arthritis, fractures, or other hip-related conditions.

Primary Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)

Primary hip replacement is the first surgery a patient undergoes to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint. It is most commonly performed for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures.

Indications:

• Severe hip pain and stiffness that affects mobility and quality of life.
• Hip joint damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or trauma (e.g., fractures).
• Lack of improvement with conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.

Types:

• Total Hip Replacement (THR): Both the femoral head and the acetabulum are replaced.
• Partial Hip Replacement: Only the femoral head is replaced, often used in certain fracture cases.

Revision Hip Replacement

Revision hip replacement is a more complex surgery performed to replace or repair a hip prosthesis that has failed or worn out over time. It is necessary when the initial hip replacement no longer functions properly due to wear, infection, loosening, or other complications.

Indications:

• Implant Wear or Loosening: Over time, the prosthetic components may wear out or loosen, leading to pain and instability.
• Infection: Infection around the artificial hip can lead to the need for revision surgery.
• Dislocation: Recurrent dislocations of the artificial hip may require revision to correct instability.
• Fractures: Bone fractures around the prosthesis (periprosthetic fractures) may necessitate revision surgery.
• Osteolysis: Bone loss caused by the body's reaction to prosthetic wear particles can weaken the bone around the implant.

Key Differences Between Primary and Revision Hip Replacement:

• Primary Hip Replacement is typically performed as a standard procedure for patients with advanced hip arthritis or hip injury, with a high success rate and predictable outcomes.
• Revision Hip Replacement is done when the original prosthetic joint fails, becomes loose, or develops complications, making the surgery more complex and requiring advanced techniques. The need for bone grafts, managing bone loss, and replacing worn-out implants makes revision surgery more challenging.