A new approach to the laboratory evaluation of the essential parameters of revision hip arthroplasty

It would be great if the parts used in a traditional hip replacement lasted forever, but they don´t. The surgery performed when the parts need to be repaired is called revision hip arthroplasty. The best method of revision is decided by one of three situations: injury, change in the joint components, or severe loss of bone stock. Orthopedic surgeons have observed that soon after revision surgery, when the patient is walking, the joint may become loose from displacement of the acetabulum, or it becomes too stiff or nonweight bearing. The implant may experience unsuccessful results because of rejection or poor rebuilding of tissues. There is an increasing number of unsuccessful operations, and the possible causes are being investigated in many research centers. The causes may be material defects, excessive wear of polyethylene elements, loosening of the artificial acetabulum, or wrong surgical techniques. Considering the significant cost of revision hip arthroplasty, long-lasting functionality of the prosthesis would lead to considerable savings.