Joint replacement revision

We are one of the leading orthopaedic surgery clinics for medical tourists in the European Union. We are proud of the fact that over 90 % of our patients come from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada and other countries.

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joint replacement surgeries performed

One of the most experienced orthopaedic surgeons in Europe. More than 3.500 joint replacement surgeries were performed by our surgeon to this date – a figure that no other surgeon or clinic in the region can match.

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scientific articles

More than 150 scientific articles co-authored by our surgeon and over 50 publications in different medical journals. You can read the most recent one here.

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reviews

More than 188 positive reviews from our happy clients from all over the world. Accept the challenge and read them all here!

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waiting years saved

Patients saved this number of years by travelling to our clinic instead of waiting for surgery at home country.  

Nordorthopaedics Center Of Excellence
One of the world’s leading medical technology companies and orthopaedic implant manufacturers, Smith & Nephew, have chosen Nordorthopaedics as its exclusive partner in the Baltic States and the clinic is now a Center of Excellence for this company in the region. 
 
Experienced hip and knee surgeon
  • More than 20+ years of  working experience
  • Over 5.000 joint replacement surgeries performed
  • Co-author of 150+ scientific articles
  • Read more
Refund for EU patients

Get your surgery for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times. 

Rehabilitation packages

One of the most important factors for a quick and full recovery after surgery is proper rehabilitation. Rehabilitation helps recover after surgery as well as prevents formation of blood clots and helps avoid most of the postoperative complications and side effects. We offer two different rehabilitation packages:

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Self-catered accommodation with medical care
11 reasons that make us the most popular orthopaedic clinic abroad

One of the most important factors for a quick and full recovery after surgery is proper rehabilitation. Usually, clinics are not able to offer this due to costs savings. Our patients can choose between two inpatient and outpatient options: rehabilitation with a physiotherapist of the Lithuanian national basketball team, prof. L. Siupsinskas or rehabilitation at a medical SPA.

Our team of 5 orthopaedic surgeons has 10-20 years of experience in the field in total performing over 1.000 different orthopaedic surgeries per year. Moreover, our surgeons are members of various prestigious surgical societies both Lithuanian and international. Our leading joint replacement surgeon S. Tarasevicius is an author of 150 scientific publications in different medical journals, who has performed more than 3.500 joint replacement surgeries during 15+ years of his professional experience. 

We are one of the leading orthopaedic surgery clinics for medical tourists in the European Union. We are proud of the fact that over 90 % of our patients come from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada and other countries.

One of the world’s leading medical technology companies and orthopaedic implant manufacturers, Smith & Nephew, have chosen Nordorthopaedics as Center of Excellence in the Baltic States.

We are trusted by our patients and we appreciate all the reviews and feedback collected over the years. Find more than 150 testimonials here or on Google. 

Already more than 4.000 of our former, current and future patients joined our online community with the aim to build a space for opinions and mutual support. Members are welcome to share experiences about their visit to the clinic and to discuss all surgery-related matters. No other orthopaedic clinic can offer such group support.

Being a true member of the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries, Lithuania is one of the leaders in low joint replacement revision rates, as only 9% of surgeries in Lithuania require revision in 10 years after surgery. Moreover, with the implants used at our clinic, only 2-3% of surgeries require revision in 10 years after surgery, while revision rates in some other Western countries, for example, USA, is as high as 17% in 10 years after surgery. The implants used at our clinic have been evaluated by other countries’ registries as those ensuring longest implant life, as compared to products of other manufacturers. Moreover, thanks to our active participation in collecting data for the registries, the surgical technique used at our clinic ensures best surgical outcomes.

Our clinic works according to the highest standards set by the European Union. This helps to guarantee the quality of medical services. We care about the safety, comfort and successful results of our patients from all over the world. 

The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.

We provide customer service in 9 foreign languages including English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, Polish. Everyone in our clinic speaks English, including nurses, assistants and the surgeon. 

Athletes treated at Nordorthopaedics
Official clinic of Lithuania national football teams
Highest quality implants

Our clinic uses implants based on their performance in international registries.

Being a true member of the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries, Lithuania is one of the leaders in low joint replacement revision rates, as only 9% of surgeries in Lithuania require revision in 10 years after surgery. Moreover, with the implants used at our clinic, only 2-3% of surgeries require revision in 10 years after surgery, while revision rates in some other Western countries, for example, USA, is as high as 17% in 10 years after surgery. The implants used at our clinic have been evaluated by other countries’ registries as those ensuring longest implant life, as compared to products of other manufacturers. Read more here.

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from UKin 2 h 30 min
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London (London City, Stansted, Luton), Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Doncaster, Belfast
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from Spainin 3 h 30 min
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Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante
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from Germanyin 2 h
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Berlin, Nurnberg, Cologne, Bremen, Dortmund, Munchen, Frankfurt
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What is joint replacement revision surgery?

Joint replacement revision surgery is a complex procedure to replace an old joint implant with a new one. Regardless of where the original prosthesis was inserted (a hip joint, a knee joint, or an ankle joint), wear-and-tear and implant loosening are the main reasons for reoperation. Revision surgery requires extensive preoperative planning and great surgical skills. The surgery also takes more time to complete than the initial joint replacement surgery. In some cases, only a part of the previously implanted prosthesis requires replacement, while other times a complete exchange of the implant is needed. Most patients have an excellent outcome of the surgery and resume daily life activities within 6-10 weeks.

When is joint replacement surgery required?

Implant wear or loosening can threaten to cause a bone fracture, and so, should be immediately addressed. The indications for replacement surgery are:

How often is joint replacement revision surgery needed?

Generally, most of the implants last around 10 to 20 years. Patients who had their joint replacement done more than 15 years ago are more likely to have older generation implants. Older implants wear down more easily compared to modern prosthesis used today. Approximately 3 to 5 % of joint replacement patients require reoperation in 10 years post-surgery. Sometimes, revision surgery is required after traumatic accidents, like fractures.

How to prepare for joint replacement revision surgery?
How is joint replacement revision surgery performed?

Revision surgery is a major surgery that is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Modern joint implants are made with novel technology (so-called trabecular metal) that closely mimics real bone structure. That is why modern implants are more durable, ensure better stability and longer lifespan, compared to their older counterparts.  

Whether it is a hip joint, a knee joint, or an ankle joint, a long incision is made over the joint to gain full access to an old prosthesis.  The surgeon determines which parts of the prosthesis have worn down and need to be changed. Then, the old prosthesis is taken out and the bone surfaces are prepared for an insertion of a new implant. In case of severe bone deterioration, a bone graft can be used to fill any voids before the placement of a new prosthesis. Once a new implant is inserted, the incision is closed and the joint is placed in a bulky dressing.

Recovery after joint replacement revision surgery

Most patients have excellent results and return to regular activities and office work within 6 weeks and reach full recovery within 4-6 months. Driving is allowed after about 4 to 6 weeks. It may take up to 3 months to return to manual labor jobs.

Patients may choose to recover at home or in a rehabilitation facility. Rehabilitation should be commenced immediately after surgery. The operated leg should be kept elevated as much as possible. It is important to keep wound dressing dry and clean to prevent any infections. Ice packs can be used for short periods of time to control swelling. Post-op discomfort is managed with pain medications and patients are encouraged to sit up or walk with crutches a little bit each day. Recovery also includes physical therapy exercises, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy, to strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion.

Return to office work Return to manual labor job Driving Return to low impact sports
Hip joint revision surgery 4 to 6 weeks About 3 months 6 weeks about 3 months
Knee joint revision surgery 6 to 12 weeks 8 to 12 weeks 6 to 8 weeks about 6 months
Ankle joint revision surgery 4 to 6 weeks about 6 months 9 weeks 6 months to 1 year
Returning to sports and daily physical activities after surgery

In the first weeks, rehabilitation focuses on gaining knee range of motion and strength. A CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine can be used to help with bending and straightening the leg. By the third week, patients gradually progress from using crutches, and eventually, walking with a cane only. Later, patients begin using a stationary bike and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to help activate the muscles. During weeks 7-8, patients are introduced to more difficult weight and proprioceptive training. A return to low-impact sports like swimming, cycling, and aerobics, can be expected after 3-6 months.

For the first two weeks, patients can walk only with crutches. Staples are removed after 2 weeks, and once they are out, patients can begin slowly bearing more and more weight on the operated leg. Hip joint replacement patients can walk without a limp after approximately 6 months and gradually return to low impact sports. High impact sports, such as basketball or running, are not recommended to prevent premature wear out of the prosthesis. Swimming, cycling, aerobics, dancing, and golfing, are safe at a relaxed state. 

In the first 4 weeks, patients achieve independent mobility with a walking aid. By 3 months post-op, patients achieve full range of motion, begin core strengthening, proprioceptive exercises, and hydrotherapy. By 6 months, patients can wear normal footwear, walk independently, and slowly progress to low-impact sports, like swimming, cycling, or golfing.