PHI with Loosening of a total endoprosthesis stem
How does this condition affect your private health insurance?
Schaftlockerung einer Totalendoprothese, or stem loosening of a total endoprosthesis, refers to the failure of the femoral component of a hip or knee replacement to remain securely fixed to the bone. This often occurs years after the initial surgery, most commonly due to aseptic loosening caused by wear debris from the implant leading to an inflammatory response and bone resorption around the stem. Symptoms typically include increasing pain in the affected joint, difficulty bearing weight, instability, and a noticeable limp. Diagnosis involves clinical examination and imaging like X-rays or bone scans. If left untreated, it leads to progressive pain, bone destruction, and impaired mobility, necessitating revision surgery to replace the loosened component.
PKV Risk Assessment
However, some specialized PHI providers may insure you with a surcharge of up to 40%.
Impact on Your Insurance Policy
Duration of Illness (Initial)
Several weeks to months (symptoms develop gradually)
Duration of Illness (Lifetime)
Chronic and progressive if untreated; resolution with revision surgery, but risk of recurrence remains
Cost of Treatment (Initial)
High (e.g., €20,000 - €50,000 for diagnostics and revision surgery)
Cost of Treatment (Lifetime)
Potentially very high if multiple revisions or complications occur; initial revision is significant.
Mortality Rate
Very low directly from loosening itself (<1%); revision surgery carries a small risk of death (e.g., 0.5-1%) due to surgical complications.
Risk of Secondary Damages
High (70-90%): persistent pain, reduced mobility, osteolysis (bone loss), risk of periprosthetic fracture, psychological distress, and the necessity of major revision surgery.
Probability of Full Recovery
Moderate to High (70-85%): After successful revision surgery, symptoms usually resolve and function improves significantly, though full return to pre-loosening activity levels may not be achieved, and the new implant still has a limited lifespan.
Underlying Disease Risk
Low (<5% for typical aseptic loosening). While infection can cause loosening (up to 10-15% of cases), this is often considered a direct cause rather than an underlying disease. Aseptic loosening doesn't typically indicate new systemic diseases.