Can we afford revision total hip replacement?

Revision total hip replacement is challenging with regard to technical problems and economic impact on the health care system. The volume of revision total hip replacement continues to increase. Projections based upon existing epidemiologic data estimate nearly 100000 such operations will be required by 2030. In addition, there are serious concerns with workforce shortage in joint replacement subspecialists in the United States. The increasing volume of revision total hip replacement will undoubtedly pose significant burdens upon surgeon availability, resource utilization, and cost containment