Loosening Hip Replacements - Who Is The Culprit?

Interplay between the various extrinsic and intrinsic factors in the body consequently lead to loosening hip replacements. Osseo-integration between implant and host factors generates an interface, which helps fix the artificial hip implant and prevent a loose hip replacement. Any factor disrupting the formation of this interface between the bones forming the joint and the artificial implant leads to loosening of the replacement. These factors may vary from the physiological state of the patient to the surgical technique applied during the replacement surgery, from post-replacement activity level to the type of material used in the artificial hip implant.

The artificial implant made of metallic alloys is non-living, unlike the bones forming the hip joint. The body’s immune system identifies the hip implant as foreign and evokes an inflammatory response. The resultant discharge of inflammatory mediators forms a barrier of dead and fibrous tissue between the host and the implant. Eventually, the active interface is lost, leaving the host with a painful loosening hip replacement and restricted activity, signifying failure.

Wear and tear of the implant is usual following hip replacements. Increased activity over time poses undue stress, resulting in the formation of wear debris. These particles, being biologically active, stir up the inflammatory process. The immune response may be local or systemic, depending upon the load of wear debris. To some extent, the immune response combats the situation, but the load of wear particles may exceed the reparative capacity. When this happens, the tissue surrounding the implant becomes dead and loose, thereby unable to support the implant. Loosening of the artificial implant results, leading to failure of the hip.

Also see; hip replacement complications.

About The Author:

Dr. Bharat Sharma is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. He has been working in the medical rehab field for more than a decade. Keeping up to date with techological advancements he has become a self appointed expert.