How Common Is the Need for a Revision Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery?

You’ve worn your hip or knee out and had joint replacement surgery to re-establish pain-free movement. As a result, you’re able to get back to a more active lifestyle — and you want to maintain this newfound freedom. 

While it’s not all that common, there are times when we need to perform a revision hip or knee replacement surgery, especially if you have an older prosthetic implant.

To give you a better idea about the need for revision hip replacement and knee replacement surgeries, fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kwan (Kevin) Jun Park and our team focus on the subject in this month’s blog post.

Your new hip or knee

When we perform a hip or knee replacement surgery today, we have the advantage of being able to use a newer material than we did several decades ago. Called ultra-high molecular weight cross-linked polyethylene (UHMPE), this material is a stronger and durable version of the previous polyethylene and is designed to last longer.

Because this material was introduced about 20 years ago, we only have recent numbers to go on when it comes to longevity, but the results are promising. At the 15-year mark, studies show that revision rates with highly cross-linked polyethylene compared with conventional polyethylene have been reduced by at least 50%.

Older replacements

Where revision may become more likely is if you underwent a hip or knee replacement at a young age or you have a replacement joint made from the older material — straight or conventional polyethylene.

For example, if you had your hip or knee replaced in your 40s or 50s, your chances for needing revision surgery increase every decade,  especially if you want to remain active.

If you have a joint replacement made from the older materials, your joint can still enjoy a lifespan of about 10-20 years, but anything beyond that is more at risk for revision. That said, one study of older hip replacements found that artificial hips last 25 years in around 58% of patients

The need for revision surgery can be difficult to predict, as it depends very much upon how you use the joint. In other words, if you had a hip or knee replacement and you lead a sedentary lifestyle, your artificial joint will generally last longer. If, however, you replaced your joint in order to remain active, you may wear down the joint more quickly.

Early hip or knee revisions

When it comes to revision surgeries being necessary sooner than the expected life of the replacement joint, numbers show that, on average, only 6% need revision at the five-year mark and 12% at the 10-year mark.

The reasons for these revisions vary and can include:

• Implant loosening
• Infection
• Dislocation in your joint
• Fracture

Other factors that might increase your chances for early revision surgery include obesity or having a chronic condition like diabetes.

Ultimately, the best way to find out whether you may be at risk for needing revision joint replacement surgery is to sit down with us so we can review your X-rays, activity level,  lifestyle, your goals, and factors unique to you.

To get started, please call our office in Houston, Texas, to set up an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.