Revision surgery is a different conversation from a first-time joint replacement. The bone has already been operated on once. There may be implant wear, loosening, infection, or bone loss to work around. It’s a more demanding procedure, and it deserves a team that’s actually done a lot of them.
When Revision Surgery Is Needed
- Implant loosening or wear after 15-20+ years
- Prosthetic joint infection
- Recurrent dislocation of a hip implant
- Peri-prosthetic fracture around an existing implant
- Persistent pain or instability after a prior replacement
Why Experience Matters Here Specifically
Revision cases vary enormously — bone loss alone can range from minor to requiring specialised augments or custom implants. Over more than 30,000 orthopaedic surgeries, this is where Dr. Saluja’s experience with complex anatomy and prior-implant removal genuinely changes what’s possible. Pre-operative 3D planning is particularly valuable here, since revision cases don’t have a textbook anatomy to work from — the plan has to account for whatever the first surgery left behind.
What To Expect
Revision surgery generally means a longer procedure, a longer hospital stay, and a more gradual recovery than a first-time replacement. It’s also, honestly, not something to decide on quickly — a thorough workup (imaging, sometimes blood work to rule out infection) comes before any surgical plan is finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my joint replacement has failed and needs revision?
Increasing pain, a feeling of instability or the joint ‘giving way’, new swelling, or a change in how the joint sounds or moves are all reasons to get it checked. X-rays and sometimes blood tests are used to confirm what’s going on.
Is revision surgery riskier than a first-time replacement?
Generally yes — it’s a more complex procedure with a longer recovery. That’s exactly why experience with revision cases specifically matters when choosing a surgical team.
What causes a knee or hip replacement to fail?
Implant wear over time, loosening, infection, or a fracture around the implant are the most common causes. Some failures happen years after a well-performed first surgery, simply from normal wear.
How long does recovery from revision surgery take?
Longer than a first-time replacement, typically — often three to six months before returning to full activity, depending on the complexity of the case and bone quality.
Do you handle infected joint replacements?
Yes, prosthetic joint infection is one of the more common reasons for revision surgery, and it’s managed as part of this practice, usually involving a staged surgical approach alongside infection control.