[Prosthesis loosening].

Prosthesis loosening is becoming more and more important due to increasing numbers of primary arthroplasty. Especially in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis this is a major topic due to younger age and multiple affected joints. A carefully performed diagnostic regimen is essential for ruling out septic loosening of the prosthesis. Preoperative planning is crucial for revision surgery. Revision implants should be available as back-up. Revision arthroplasty is a technically and economically demanding procedure. Costs for revision surgery are much higher than for primary arthroplasty due to longer hospital stay, intensive care, microbiology, histology, diagnostic imaging, implants and antibiotics. Revision arthroplasty should be performed in highly specialized centers.