Revision surgery should not be delayed
author Dr. Molnár Péter | 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 prosthesis revision and why you should not delay the replacement of the prosthesis.
Alexander's first hip prosthesis solved his joint degeneration for many years: he was able to work and live his life happily, and mobility was not a problem for him. A few years ago, however, he felt pain in his hip, so he consulted his former surgeon, who recommended prosthesis revision, i.e. 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 prosthesis lasts 15-20 years.
Revision surgery involves loosening the previous scar tissue, removing the affected prosthetic components, excising and removing the cement, and then implanting a new prosthesis. Of course, this can be different for each patient, as it is not always the case that a component of the prosthesis has worn out or there has been an injury that has caused the implant to loosen. It is also important whether only part of the implant needs to be replaced or the whole prosthesis.
When is revision surgery needed?
In 2001, Alexander received his first hip prosthesis, which provided a solution to the pain caused by wear and tear on his hip joint and 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 previous surgeon, who suggested that he should have revision surgery to replace the component that was no longer working 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 was taking strong painkillers, but after a few months they were ineffective; he had to use his old crutches again to help him walk. That's when he visited Dr. Péter Molnár, a specialist in orthopedics, at the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Outpatient Clinic.
The doctor was able to determine immediatelyfrom the X-ray that the insert of the hip prosthesis had worn out.
The diaphragm had loosened, causing 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 prosthesis revision , the bone around Alexander's prosthesis was absorbed. This means that more complex surgery is required, with bone replacement. This means higher risks, complications and slower recovery.
The operation was performed byDr. Péter Molnár and Dr. Szabolcs Gáspár in a close-knit team, where they performed the correction. The operation was successful and without complications, the implanted bone was integrated into the pelvis, the new component of the vax was well fixed.
Alexander was completely satisfied with the quality of care and the conditions in the private hospital, and he is grateful to the specialist team who helped him regain his freedom of movement .
After revision surgery
Dr. Péter Molnár conveys an important message: those who already live with a prosthesis and are under the supervision of a professional, specialist, should listen to the specialist and let them tell you when prosthesis revision is needed . In such cases, minor surgery can solve problems that arise over time.
Replacing a small component involves much less intervention than a full replacement of the diaphragm or a complete prosthesis. It is also in the patient's interest to opt for the simpler operation.
Major surgery can be prevented by regular check-ups and regular 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!