New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) As the population of older individuals in India grows alongside deteriorating artificial joints, the necessity for proficient surgeons specializing in revision knee and hip surgeries is escalating, according to experts on Saturday.

Revision knee or hip replacement surgery, known as Revision Arthroplasty, is performed when a previous hip or knee replacement becomes loose, wears out, or fails.

Artificial knee and hip joints are increasingly experiencing wear and tear, with their lifespan now averaging 20 to 25 years.

“In India, a significant number of elderly patients have had joint replacements, mainly due to a surge in degenerative arthritis over the past 15-20 years. Consequently, the demand for revision surgeries is expected to rise, as implants can deteriorate or become infected, causing complications,” stated Prof. Vijay Kumar from the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS, while speaking to IANS.

“With the rapid increase in the number of ageing implants in India, a lack of specialized training could result in premature failures, repeated surgeries, higher healthcare costs, and long-term functional issues for patients,” added Dr. Samarth Mittal, Additional Professor of Orthopaedics at JPNA Trauma Centre, AIIMS, Delhi.

During the three-day Revision Arthroplasty Conference (RAC) 2025, health experts emphasized that revision surgeries are significantly more intricate and demanding than primary implant surgeries, requiring advanced surgical skills.

Kumar pointed out that the complexity increases considerably since, unlike primary implants, a revision surgery involves an existing implant. The failing implant often leads to considerable bone loss, which necessitates specialized techniques, meticulous planning, and extensive experience.

As the population of ageing implants in India continues to expand, insufficient training may lead to early re-failure, repeat surgeries, increased treatment costs, and long-term disabilities for patients.

“India is entering a phase where trained ‘revision’ knee and hip replacement surgeons are indispensable,” remarked Dr. (Prof.) Anil Arora, a Robotic Knee and Hip Replacement and Orthopaedics surgeon at a prominent hospital in the city.

“There is an urgent need for more skilled revision surgeons in India to cater to the growing demand. Revision surgeries require sophisticated implants, advanced instruments, meticulous planning for bone loss, and expertise in managing aseptic loosening, implant wear, periprosthetic fractures, infections, and instability,” added Arora, who is also the organising chairman of RAC 2025.