What is the difference between primary and revision joint replacement surgery?

A revision is performed when an existing prosthesis no longer functions correctly and the surgeon must replace all or part of the hardware with new components. Revisions are only a small part of the surgeries performed each year and are primarily done in cases where the implant has loosened. An infectious disease specialist may be called in to consult on the case if there is infection present. The surgery itself will normally take more time than the primary surgery due to the complexity of the procedure and the need to remove the original implant, which may have grown into the existing bone. For this reason, it is recommended that patients seek out an experienced revision specialist for this type of surgery. BoneSmart can assist members of the Insiders Club in finding appropriate surgeons for this type of procedure. The risks for revision surgery are generally the same as with a primary joint replacement. It is possible for a patient to have more than one revision to a joint.