← Return to Hip replacement: What are the symptoms of failure?

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@stevcin

Has anyone heard of revision surgery within one year, I was 69 years old in good shape not over weight and not on any meds, but had a lot of pain walking and doing normal actives around the house for a year about before seeing my orthoptic surgeon.
To the point:
I had total hip replacement one year ago and found out that the pain I have been complaining about in my thigh has been a loose stem!
Now the doctor is telling me I need revision surgery to remove old stem and replace, is this normal? I have read about this type of surgery being done after 8-10 years but have not read anything about one year or less?

SteveD

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Replies to "Has anyone heard of revision surgery within one year, I was 69 years old in good..."

Google it. I think I read on a facebook group that sometimes this happens. But they do more than remove and replace the stem. they do some wiring of some sort. I'd research it well, then go for a second opinion. I wouldn't put weight on it til I found out exactly if this doctor is planning to do the right thing. Second opinions are priceless. So is research. My best to you.

I think it's very unusual but not unheard of. There are some possible causes - failure of the bone to grow around the implant, microfractures of the femur, and maybe necrosis - loss of bone.

I had hip revision surgeries after 4-5 years due to recalled implants, so am familiar with early revision. I too had always complained about the hip not being "right".

Here are a few things I wish I had known to ask the surgeon:
Exactly which implant do I have - manufacturer, type, model, etc?
What is the failure history of this device?
Are there any recalls on this device? (If there is get a copy of the notice to see what relief the manufacturer is offering.)
What is the exact diagnosis shown by the imaging - fractures, necrosis or ??
Does the surgeon have a lot of experience doing revisions? If not, find one who does.

I think that about covers it. Have you asked any of these questions?
Sue