If youre in need of hip-replacement revision, the culprit may not be a worn-out implant. Although it has long been believed that hip replacements fail because the implants bearing surface wears out, researchers at the University of California have discovered that hip replacements can fail because of other problems as well-loosening of the implant, implant dislocation, and infection (at the time of surgery or later through the bloodstream). According to a study in the January Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, researchers arrived at their findings after analyzing data from nearly 50,000 patients who had their hip replacements revised between October 2005 and December 2006. The studys conclusion: "In addition to research aimed at developing better implants, we also need to direct new research efforts to improve care in other problem areas."
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