A specific and controlled intervention
Hip replacement surgery generally provides very long-lasting results and allows patients to regain an excellent quality of life. However, in some cases, a new procedure called hip replacement revision surgery may be necessary several years after the first operation.
Dr. Coulin handles this type of complex surgery with a rigorous approach, tailored technology, and personalized planning. His goal: to restore stability, relieve pain, and give the patient a functional, long-lasting hip.
When should you consider prosthesis revision?
There hip prosthesis revision is indicated when one or more components of the initial implant no longer fulfill their function correctly. Several situations may justify a reintervention:
- Natural wear of implants, usually after 15 to 25 years.
- Loosening of the stem or cup, caused by a loss of bone adhesion.
- Repeated dislocations of the prosthesis, leading to chronic instability.
- Infection around the prosthesis, sometimes requiring emergency recovery.
- Persistent unexplained pain, after an initially well-tolerated prosthesis.
- Periprosthetic fracture, that is, a fracture occurring around the implanted rod.
An accurate diagnosis is essential to guide the best strategy, whether surgical or conservative. Dr. Coulin assesses the indication for hip prosthesis revision accurately, based on a complete clinical assessment, imaging tests and, if necessary, biological samples.
How to make a good diagnosis before a revision?
The first step is to understand why the prosthesis is no longer working properly. This assessment is based on several elements:
- Detailed clinical examination, to assess pain, mobility and stability.
- X-rays, in order to visualize the condition of the implants and detect any loosening.
- Scanner, useful for analyzing the quality of the bone around the prosthesis and planning the correction.
- Biological assessments or joint punctures, in case of suspected infection.
A precise diagnosis makes it possible to determine the exact type of intervention necessary and to anticipate any technical difficulties linked to the hip prosthesis revision.
How is revision surgery performed?
There hip prosthesis revision is more technical than an initial installation. It often requires additional procedures: removal of old implants, bone grafts or fillings, and adaptation of specific prostheses.
Dr. Coulin adapts each procedure to the patient's morphology and the actual condition of the bone observed during surgery. The goal remains the same: to restore a stable, functional, and durable joint, with minimal postoperative stress.
The use of modern techniques, specialized equipment and digital planning helps to make this type of intervention, considered one of the most complex surgeries in orthopedics, safer.
What are the consequences and results?
The post-operative consequences of a hip prosthesis revision are generally similar to those of a first pose, but recovery may be slightly longer depending on the complexity of the intervention.
- Walking with support is usually resumed quickly, sometimes with crutches.
- Rehabilitation begins in the first few days, in order to gradually restore mobility, muscle strength and independent walking.
- Regular imaging checks allow us to verify the proper integration of the new prosthesis.
In the majority of cases, revision surgery allows for a significant pain relief, better joint stability and a satisfactory resumption of daily activities.
Expert and personalized support
There hip prosthesis revision is a highly specialized procedure, which requires particular expertise. Dr. Coulin pays rigorous attention to:
- Preoperative planning.
- Choosing the type of implant.
- Management of bone reconstruction if necessary.
- Post-operative monitoring adapted to each patient.
Its approach aims to ensure a reliable, lasting result that meets the patient's functional expectations.
Do you already have a prosthesis and are experiencing pain or instability?
Dr. Coulin will see you for a consultation in Geneva to assess your situation. Through a comprehensive and personalized diagnosis, he will determine whether a hip prosthesis revision is indicated and accompanies you at each stage of the treatment.
