My wife had a hip joint replacement and got an infection in the joint. Now, she needs another operation. The doctor told us that this operation may be more difficult than the first one. What makes it so?

When a total joint replacement must be done over, it’s called a revision arthroplasty. Revisions are more difficult because of any scar tissue that has formed and changes in the area since the first operation. For example, the bone may be shorter on the operative side. There may be bone loss and increased risk of fracture.

The shape of the joint changes with a joint replacement. Muscles around the joint are cut and stitched back into place. Any of these factors can change the anatomy and affect the next operation.