Revision surgery should not be delayed
Author Dr. Péter Molnár | 2023.07.26.
One of our dear patients, Sándor Évinger, and the orthopaedic traumatologist Dr. Péter Molnár, who treated him, tell us about Sándor's revision surgery and why you should not delay the replacement of the prosthesis.
Alexander the Great's first hip replacement for many years, he resolved his complaints of joint wear and tear: he could work and live his life happily, and mobility was not a problem. However, a few years ago, she felt pain in her hip after surgery, so she consulted her former surgeon, who revision surgery a replacement of the prosthesis.
Alexander went to the BMM, where it was found that his prosthesis had loosened. In such a case, surgery should not be delayed: the patient decides when the first prosthesis is to be fitted, but the doctor decides when it is to be replaced!
What is revision surgery?
An average hip or knee replacement lasts 15-20 years.
The revision surgeries involves dissolving the previous scar tissue, removing the affected prosthetic components, excising and removing the cement and then implanting a new prosthesis. This will of course different for each patient because it is not always the case that a component of the prosthesis has worn out, or that there has been an injury that has loosened the implant. It is also important whether only part of the implant needs to be replaced or the whole prosthesis.
When is revision surgery needed?
Sándor received his first hip replacement in 2001, which was a solution to his hip joint wear pain and what helped him to continue his physical work and daily life. The prosthesis worked well until his retirement, but a few years ago Alexander experienced severe hip pain.
He contacted his former operating doctor, who suggested that they should perform revision surgery and replace the component that no longer works well in the implant.
Of course, I didn't want surgery - Sándor says - I didn't want to go to bed again, I didn't want to be cut up in case he would heal on his own...
He took strong painkillers, but after a few months they were ineffective; again he had to take up his previous crutches, to help you walk. He then visited the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic Dr. Péter Molnár chief orthopaedic surgeon.
The chief physician is the X-ray image based on was immediately able to determine that the insert of the hip replacement had worn out.
This loosened the diaphragm, which caused the severe pain.
In this case, revision surgery is definitely needed!
Why should revision surgery not be delayed?
Due to the displacement of the diaphragm and the postponement of the revision surgery, the bone resorbed. This means that more complex surgery is needed, involving bone replacement. This greater risk report, complications can develop, slower recovery is.
The operation Dr. Péter Molnár and Dr. Szabolcs Gáspár in a close-knit team where the correction was carried out. The operation was uneventful and successful, the bone was implanted into the pelvis, the new frame component is well fixed is.
Alexander was completely satisfied with the quality of care and the conditions in the private hospital, and he is grateful to the team of specialists who helped him to return to freedom of movement.
After revision surgery
Dr. Péter Molnár has an important message: anyone who already living with a prosthesis and is under the supervision of a specialist, should listen to the specialist and let them tell you, when revision surgery is needed. In such cases, minor surgery can solve problems that arise over time.
Replacing a small part is much more with minor intervention than a full replacement of the valve or a full prosthesis. It is also in the patient's interest, to choose the simpler operation.
Prevent major surgery in the regular check-up examinations and with attention.
A check-up is recommended at least once a year!
Alexander gives similar advice:
In any case, don't delay, because this could have been a lot easier for me. Painkillers take a while to work, it's better to consult a specialist!