Total Joint Replacement Revision Surgery
Dr. Tyler Bron outlines key principles regarding total joint replacement revision surgery at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group.
Primary Reasons for Revision Surgery
- Mechanical Wear & Aseptic Loosening: Normal wear and tear over decades or degradation of the plastic spacer causes components to loosen from the bone, causing instability or pain.
- Periprosthetic Infection: Bacteria on or around implant hardware requiring removal of original implants, antibiotic treatment, and staged re-implantation.
- Instability & Recurrent Dislocation: Joint misalignment or surrounding soft-tissue damage leading to repeated joint instability or dislocations.
- Periprosthetic Fractures: Bone fractures immediately surrounding existing implants, often due to trauma or underlying bone loss.
Surgical & Diagnostic Approach
- In-Depth Evaluation: Complete diagnostic workup including specialized blood tests, joint fluid aspiration, advanced X-rays, and CT imaging to identify the precise root cause of joint failure.
- Specialized Hardware: Uses specialized revision implants with stems, augments, or custom-fitted components to compensate for bone loss and restore stability.
- Complex Reconstruction: Reconstructs bone stock and surrounding soft tissues to rebuild proper joint mechanics and restore joint alignment.
