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When Does a Hip Replacement Need to be Revised?

When Does a Hip Replacement Need to be Revised?
A hip replacement under normal use should last about 20 years.  The younger a patient is when undergoing a hip replacement, the higher the chances that the implant will need to be revised.  Dr. Dan Albright explains the signs to look for that may require that the hip replacement be revised.
 
 
Summary of video:
 
When does a hip replacement need to be revised or redone? 
 
A common concern for patients receiving a hip replacement is how long does it last.  The answer: It should last about 20 years.  So, what do you look for when it's wearing out?
 
The first sign is the pain.  Sometimes the plastic can wear out - either the plastic liner in the socket or the acetabulum.  Sometimes the bone can decay around the femur, the femoral implant or the acetabular socket implant.  This decay can cause pain.
 
The key here is a reasonable lifestyle.  If you are running marathons on a hip replacement, it is going to wear out quicker.  If you are swimming, biking or working out on an elliptical trainer your hip's going to last a long time.  The key is not pounding on it.
 
When the hip replacement is revised, what is done?  Often times revision surgery is a harder surgery than the first hip replacement.  Your first hip replacement is the best one you'll ever have - so you don't want to get it revised until it really needs it.
 
Respect your hip replacement.  Do low impact activities.  High impact, pounding, and jumping will wear out the implant sooner.  If the hip replacement starts to hurt, see your doctor.  Your doctor will take x-rays and determine if it is wearing out and hopefully that's decades away.
 
For more information on hip replacement surgery, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.
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