Revision total hip replacement

Addressing worn-out hip implants

A Revision Total Hip Replacement is a surgical procedure performed to replace or repair a failed or worn-out hip prosthesis from a previous hip replacement. Over time, hip implants can experience issues such as wear and tear, implant loosening, infection, or bone loss, which may require removal of the old prosthesis and placement of a new one.

Since a Revision Total Hip Replacement is more complex than the initial surgery, it typically requires advanced techniques and longer recovery. This procedure is crucial for restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall hip function when previous implants no longer perform effectively.
If you're experiencing complications from a prior hip replacement, a Revision Total Hip Replacement can be an essential step in regaining comfort and movement.

Who is a Candidate?

This type of surgery is for patients with a previous total hip replacement that has failed or is causing significant symptoms.

Common reasons:

• Implant loosening or wear (often after 10–20 years)
• Joint infection
• Hip dislocation or instability
• Fracture around the existing implant
• Persistent pain or mechanical failure e.g broken implant.

Recovery Timeline

(May vary with provider)

• Hospital stay: Usually longer than first-time hip joint replacement (4–7 days vs 2–4 days).
• Early recovery: Walking with support within a few days.
• Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy starts immediately; progress may be slower than primary hip replacement surgery
• Return to normal function: 3–6 months, though full recovery may take up to 12 months depending on complexity and patient health.

Benefits

• Relief of hip pain.
• Improved mobility and quality of life.
• Correction of deformity or instability.
• Prevention of further joint or bone damage.

Risks

• General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots.
• Implant-specific risks: dislocation, loosening/wear of the prosthesis, need for further revision surgery.
• Rare but serious risks: nerve or blood vessel injury.

This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.